| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905924294 | Outcome and impact of Master of Public Health programs across six countries: Education for change | Zwanikken P.A.C., Huong N.T., Ying X.H., Alexander L., Wadidi M.S.E.A., Magan&tild;a-Valladares L., Gonzalez-Robledo M.C., Qian X., Linh N.N., Tahir H., Leppink J., Scherpbier A. | 2014 | Human Resources for Health | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1478-4491-12-40 | Royal Tropical Institute, PO Box 95001, HA Amsterdam, Netherlands; Hanoi School of Public Health, 138 Giang Vo, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Viet Nam; School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Box 175, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Human Resource Development, Federal Ministry of Health, PO Box 303, Khartoum, Sudan; National Institute of Public Health, Universidad No. 655 Colonia Santa Mari´a Ahuacatitla´n, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Research Centre in Health Systems, National Institute of Public Health, Universidad No. 655 Colonia Santa Mari´a Ahuacatitla´n, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; MPH Programme, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, PO Box 12810, Khartoum, Sudan; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, Netherlands | Zwanikken, P.A.C., Royal Tropical Institute, PO Box 95001, HA Amsterdam, Netherlands; Huong, N.T., Hanoi School of Public Health, 138 Giang Vo, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Ying, X.H., School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Box 175, Shanghai, China; Alexander, L., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, South Africa; Wadidi, M.S.E.A., Human Resource Development, Federal Ministry of Health, PO Box 303, Khartoum, Sudan; Magan&tild;a-Valladares, L., National Institute of Public Health, Universidad No. 655 Colonia Santa Mari´a Ahuacatitla´n, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Gonzalez-Robledo, M.C., Research Centre in Health Systems, National Institute of Public Health, Universidad No. 655 Colonia Santa Mari´a Ahuacatitla´n, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Qian, X., School of Public Health, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Box 175, Shanghai, China; Linh, N.N., Hanoi School of Public Health, 138 Giang Vo, Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Tahir, H., MPH Programme, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, PO Box 12810, Khartoum, Sudan; Leppink, J., Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, Netherlands; Scherpbier, A., Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, Netherlands | Background: The human resources for health crisis has highlighted the need for high-level public health education to add specific capacities to the workforce. Recently, it was questioned whether Master of Public Health (MPH) training prepared graduates with competencies relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to examine the influence of the MPH programs geared towards LMICs offered in Vietnam, China, South Africa, Mexico, Sudan, and the Netherlands on graduates' careers, application of acquired competencies, performance at the workplace, and their professional contribution to society.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was sent to graduates from six MPH programs. Frequency distributions of the answers were calculated, and a bivariate analysis and logistic regression of certain variables was performed.Results: The response rate was 37.5%. Graduates reported change in leadership (69%), in technical position (69%), acquiring new responsibilities (80%), and increased remuneration (63%); they asserted that MPH programs contributed significantly to this. Graduates' attribution of their application of 7 key competencies 'substantially to the MPH program' ranged from 33% to 48%. Of the 26 impact variables, graduates attributed the effect they had on their workplace substantially to the MPH program; the highest rated variable ranged from 31% to 73% and the lowest ranged from 9% to 43%. Of the 10 impact variables on society, graduates attributed the effect they had on society substantially to the MPH program; for the highest rated variable (13% to 71%); for the lowest rated variable (4% to 42%). Candidates' attribution of their application of acquired competencies as well as their impact at the workplace varied significantly according to institution of study and educational background.Conclusions: This study concludes that these MPH programs contribute to improving graduates' careers and to building leadership in public health. The MPH programs contribute to graduates' application of competencies. MPH programs contribute substantially towards impact variables on the workplace, such as development of research proposals and reporting on population health needs, and less substantially to their impact on society, such as contributing equitable access to quality services. Differences reported between MPH programs merit further study. The results can be used for curriculum reform. © 2014 Zwanikken et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Evaluation; Graduate; Impact; Low-and middle-income countries; Master of public health; Outcome | adult; developing country; education; female; human; income; international cooperation; leadership; male; medical education; middle aged; multivariate analysis; professional competence; public health; questionnaire; salary and fringe benefit; statistical model; Adult; Developing Countries; Education, Public Health Professional; Female; Humans; Income; Internationality; Leadership; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Professional Competence; Public Health; Questionnaires; Salaries and Fringe Benefits | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892454034 | Validation of public health competencies and impact variables for low- and middle-income countries | Zwanikken P.A.C., Alexander L., Huong N.T., Qian X., Valladares L.M., Mohamed N.A., Ying X.H., Gonzalez-Robledo M.C., Linh L.C., Wadidi M.S.E.A., Tahir H., Neupane S., Scherpbier A. | 2014 | BMC Public Health | 14 | 1 | 10.1186/1471-2458-14-55 | Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands; School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa; Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; Department of Demography, Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Human Resource Development, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands | Zwanikken, P.A.C., Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Alexander, L., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa; Huong, N.T., Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Qian, X., School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Valladares, L.M., National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Mohamed, N.A., Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; Ying, X.H., School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Gonzalez-Robledo, M.C., National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico; Linh, L.C., Department of Demography, Hanoi School of Public Health, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Wadidi, M.S.E.A., Human Resource Development, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan; Tahir, H., University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan; Neupane, S., School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Capetown, South Africa; Scherpbier, A., Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands | Background: The number of Master of Public Health (MPH) programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasing, but questions have been raised regarding the relevance of their outcomes and impacts on context. Although processes for validating public health competencies have taken place in recent years in many high-income countries, validation in LMICs is needed. Furthermore, impact variables of MPH programmes in the workplace and in society have not been developed. Method. A set of public health competencies and impact variables in the workplace and in society was designed using the competencies and learning objectives of six participating institutions offering MPH programmes in or for LMICs, and the set of competencies of the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice as a reference. The resulting competencies and impact variables differ from those of the Council on Linkages in scope and emphasis on social determinants of health, context specificity and intersectoral competencies. A modified Delphi method was used in this study to validate the public health competencies and impact variables; experts and MPH alumni from China, Vietnam, South Africa, Sudan, Mexico and the Netherlands reviewed them and made recommendations. Results: The competencies and variables were validated across two Delphi rounds, first with public health experts (N = 31) from the six countries, then with MPH alumni (N = 30). After the first expert round, competencies and impact variables were refined based on the quantitative results and qualitative comments. Both rounds showed high consensus, more so for the competencies than the impact variables. The response rate was 100%. Conclusion: This is the first time that public health competencies have been validated in LMICs across continents. It is also the first time that impact variables of MPH programmes have been proposed and validated in LMICs across continents. The high degree of consensus between experts and alumni suggests that these public health competencies and impact variables can be used to design and evaluate MPH programmes, as well as for individual and team assessment and continuous professional development in LMICs. © 2014 Zwanikken et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Impact; Low- and middle-income countries; Master of Public Health; Public health competencies | article; China; Delphi study; developing country; education; human; Mexico; professional competence; program evaluation; public health; public health service; South Africa; standard; Sudan; validation study; Viet Nam; China; Delphi Technique; Developing Countries; Humans; Mexico; Professional Competence; Program Evaluation; Public Health; Public Health Administration; South Africa; Sudan; Vietnam | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748902038 | Managing the impact of gold panning activities within the context of integrated water resources management planning in the Lower Manyame Sub-Catchment, Zambezi Basin, Zimbabwe | Zwane N., Love D., Hoko Z., Shoko D. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.024 | Africa Management and Development Institute, P.O. Box 6146, Mbabane, Swaziland; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; United Nations Industrial Development Organization, P.O. Box 4775, Harare, Zimbabwe | Zwane, N., Africa Management and Development Institute, P.O. Box 6146, Mbabane, Swaziland, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Love, D., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Shoko, D., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, P.O. Box 4775, Harare, Zimbabwe | Riverbed alluvial gold panning activities are a cause for degradation of river channels and banks as well as water resources, particularly through accelerated erosion and siltation, in many areas of Zimbabwe. The lower Manyame sub-catchment located in the Northern part of the country is one such area. This study analysed the implications of cross-sectoral coordination of the management of panning and its impacts. This is within the context of conflicts of interests and responsibilities. A situational analysis of different stakeholders from sectors that included mining, environment, water, local government and water users who were located next to identified panning sites, as well as panners was carried out. Selected sites along the Dande River were observed to assess the environmental effects. The study determined that all stakeholder groups perceived siltation and river bank degradation as the most severe effect of panning on water resources, yet there were divergent views with regards to coordination of panning management. The Water Act of 1998 does not give enough power to management institutions including the Lower Manyame Sub-catchment Council to protect water resources from the impacts of panning, despite the fact that the activities affect the water resource base. The Mines and Minerals Act of 1996 remains the most powerful legislation, while mining sector activities adversely affect environmental resources. Furthermore, complexities were caused by differences in the definition of water resources management boundaries as compared to the overall environmental resources management boundaries according to the Environmental Management Act (EMA) of 2000, and by separate yet parallel water and environmental planning processes. Environmental sector institutions according to the EMA are well linked to local government functions and resource management is administrative, enhancing efficient coordination. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Conflict resolution; Consensus building; Environment; Gold panning; Integrated water resources management; Small-scale mining | Degradation; Environmental impact; Erosion; Management; Rivers; Concensus building; Conflict resolution; Gold panning; Integrated water resources management; Small-scale mining; Water resources; catchment; environmental effect; gold mine; river channel; water management; water resource; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambezi Belt; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748122168 | Mortality and morbidity among postpartum HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in Zimbabwe: Risk factors, causes, and impact of single-dose postpartum vitamin A supplementation | Zvandasara P., Hargrove J.W., Ntozini R., Chidawanyika H., Mutasa K., Iliff P.J., Moulton L.H., Mzengeza F., Malaba L.C., Ward B.J., Nathoo K.J., Zijenah L.S., Mbizvo M., Zunguza C., Humphrey J.H., Mahomva A., Majo F., Marinda E., Ndhlovu M., Piwoz E., Pr | 2006 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 43 | 1 | 10.1097/01.qai.0000229015.77569.c7 | Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; College of Science, Institute of Nutrition and Family Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Que., Canada; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; WHO, Switzerland; ZVITAMBO Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe | Zvandasara, P., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe, ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hargrove, J.W., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ntozini, R., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Chidawanyika, H., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mutasa, K., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe; Iliff, P.J., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Moulton, L.H., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Mzengeza, F., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, College of Science, Institute of Nutrition and Family Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Malaba, L.C., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, College of Science, Institute of Nutrition and Family Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ward, B.J., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Que., Canada; Nathoo, K.J., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Zijenah, L.S., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mbizvo, M., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, WHO, Switzerland; Zunguza, C., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Harare City Health Department, Harare, Zimbabwe; Humphrey, J.H., ZVITAMBO Project, Harare, Zimbabwe, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, ZVITAMBO Project, 1 Borrowdale Road, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mahomva, A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Majo, F., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Marinda, E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ndhlovu, M., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Piwoz, E., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Propper, L., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Rambanepasi, P., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ruff, A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tavengwa, N., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe | BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is common among women in resource-poor countries and is associated with greater mortality during HIV. METHODS: Fourteen thousand one hundred ten mothers were tested for HIV and randomly administered 400,000 IU vitamin A or placebo at less than 96 hours postpartum. The effects of vitamin A and HIV status on mortality, health care utilization, and serum retinol were evaluated. RESULTS: Four thousand four hundred ninety-five (31.9%) mothers tested HIV positive. Mortality at 24 months was 2.3 per 1000 person-years and 38.3 per 1000 person-years in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women, respectively. Vitamin A had no effect on mortality. Tuberculosis was the most common cause of death, and nearly all tuberculosis-associated deaths were among HIV-positive women. Among HIV-positive women, vitamin A had no effect on rates of hospitalization or overall sick clinic visits, but did reduce clinic visits for malaria, cracked and bleeding nipples, pelvic inflammatory disease, and vaginal infection. Among HIV-negative women, serum retinol was responsive to vitamin A, but low serum retinol was rare. Among HIV-positive women, serum retinol was largely unresponsive to vitamin A, and regardless of treatment group, the entire serum retinol distribution was shifted 25% less than that of HIV-negative women 6 weeks after dosing. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose postpartum vitamin A supplementation had no effect on maternal mortality, perhaps because vitamin A status was adequate in HIV-negative women and apparently unresponsive to supplementation in HIV-positive women. Copyright © 2006 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | HIV; Morbidity; Mortality; Mothers; Serum retinol; Tuberculosis; Vitamin A; Zimbabwe | placebo; retinol; adult; article; controlled study; female; health care utilization; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; malaria; morbidity; mortality; pelvic inflammatory disease; priority journal; puerperium; retinol deficiency; risk factor; tuberculosis; vaginitis; vitamin blood level; vitamin supplementation; Zimbabwe; Adult; Cause of Death; Dietary Supplements; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seronegativity; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Morbidity; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders; Risk Factors; Survival Rate; Tuberculosis; Vitamin A; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646161233 | Modelled surface ozone over southern Africa during the Cross Border Air Pollution Impact Assessment Project | Zunckel M., Koosailee A., Yarwood G., Maure G., Venjonoka K., van Tienhoven A.M., Otter L. | 2006 | Environmental Modelling and Software | 21 | 7 | 10.1016/j.envsoft.2005.04.004 | CSIR Environmentek, P.O. Box 17001, Congella 4013 Durban, South Africa; ENVIRON International Corporation, 101 Rowland Way, Novato, CA 94945, United States; Department of Physics, Eduardo Mondlane University, Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Private Bag BR132, Gaborone, Botswana; Climatology Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa; Sasol Synfuels, Private Bag X1000, Secunda, 2302, South Africa | Zunckel, M., CSIR Environmentek, P.O. Box 17001, Congella 4013 Durban, South Africa; Koosailee, A., CSIR Environmentek, P.O. Box 17001, Congella 4013 Durban, South Africa, Sasol Synfuels, Private Bag X1000, Secunda, 2302, South Africa; Yarwood, G., ENVIRON International Corporation, 101 Rowland Way, Novato, CA 94945, United States; Maure, G., Department of Physics, Eduardo Mondlane University, Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique; Venjonoka, K., Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Private Bag BR132, Gaborone, Botswana; van Tienhoven, A.M., CSIR Environmentek, P.O. Box 17001, Congella 4013 Durban, South Africa; Otter, L., Climatology Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa | Monitoring of surface ozone over southern Africa has shown that ambient concentrations often exceed a threshold of 40 ppb at which damage to vegetation by ozone could be expected. The Cross Border Air Pollution Assessment Project (CAPIA) was therefore established to assess the potential impacts of ozone on maize, a staple food crop, in five southern African countries. Measured surface ozone data are scare in the region so it was necessary to complement the monitoring with regional-scale photochemical modelling to achieve the objective. The Pennsylvania State and NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) is used to produce gridded meteorological data for 5 days in each month of the maize growing season, October to April, as input to the photochemical model, CAMx. Gridded anthropogenic emissions from industry, transport and domestic burning and gridded biogenic emissions from soils and vegetation are input to CAMx. The model estimations indicate large areas on the sub-continent where surface ozone concentrations exceed 40 ppb for up to 10 h per day. Maximum concentrations may exceed 80 ppb, particularly in the winter when mean ozone concentrations are higher. The areas where the 40 ppb threshold is exceeded coincide with maize growing areas in South Africa and Zimbabwe. It appears that neither anthropogenic emissions nor biogenic emissions are dominant in the production of surface ozone over southern Africa. Rather the formation of surface ozone over the region is attributed to the combined contribution of precursors from anthropogenic and biogenic origin. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Anthropogenic emissions; Biogenic emissions; Botswana; CAMx; CAPIA; Maize; MM5; Mozambique; Photochemical modelling; South Africa; Zambia; Zimbabwe | Condition monitoring; Environmental impact; Ozone; Project management; Regional planning; Vegetation; Anthropogenic emissions; Biogenic emissions; CAMx; Cross Border Air Pollution Assessment Project (CAPIA); MM5; Photochemical modeling; Air pollution; anthropogenic effect; atmospheric pollution; biogenic emission; maize; Meteosat; ozone; Africa; Botswana; Mozambique; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia; Zimbabwe; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-64649091129 | Mulch tower treatment system Part I: Overall performance in greywater treatment | Zuma B.M., Tandlich R., Whittington-Jones K.J., Burgess J.E. | 2009 | Desalination | 242 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.desal.2008.03.030 | Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa | Zuma, B.M., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Tandlich, R., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa, Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Whittington-Jones, K.J., Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Burgess, J.E., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa | A mulch tower (MT) system for greywater treatment is introduced in this paper. Materials used to assemble the MT system included mulch, coarse sand, fine and coarse gravel. Limited removal efficiency of the MT system was demonstrated for alkalinity, total hardness, pH, Cl-, PO43-, NH4+, and SO42-, with the estimated cumulative removals ranging from 7 to 12%. Intermediate removal efficiency was observed for chemical oxygen demand (COD), NO3-, and S2- with the estimated cumulative removals ranging from 24 to 28%. The highest removal efficiency was observed for the total suspended solids (TSS) with the estimated cumulative removal equal to 52%. Given the minute residence time in the MT system, the results obtained were promising and justify scale-up studies for potential on-site applications. The MT effluent did not meet hygienic norms with respect to the faecal coliform concentration (FC) and the total coliform concentration (TC), and further effluent treatment is required before any discharge or reuse of the treated greywater. Further research should focus on characterisation of the microbial community of the MT, and the fate of Cl-, PO43-, NH4+, and SO42-. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Greywater; Mulch tower; On-site treatment | Characterisation; Chemical-oxygen demands; Coarse gravels; Coliform concentrations; Greywater; Greywater treatments; Microbial communities; Mulch tower; On-site treatment; Removal efficiencies; Residence time; Scale-Up; Site applications; Total suspended solids; Treatment systems; Alkalinity; Buildings; Chemical oxygen demand; Effluent treatment; Effluents; Oxygen; Range finding; Removal; Telluric prospecting; Towers; Wastewater treatment; Water recycling; chemical oxygen demand; estimation method; fecal coliform; microbial community; mulch; removal experiment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924286466 | Comparison of effective population size, rate and level of inbreeding and its potential impact on village chicken populations of Southern Africa | Zulu S.G., Muchadeyi F.C., Dzomba E.F. | 2015 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 14 | 1 | None | Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, South Africa | Zulu, S.G., Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Muchadeyi, F.C., Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Dzomba, E.F., Discipline of Genetics, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The term village chicken best describes the scavenging chickens because of the effect of the village socio-economic and biophysical environment on the production and health status of the chicken. These chickens are predominantly farmed in African villages by small holder farmers. The purpose of this study was to compare rates and levels of inbreeding in village (free range) chickens in Southern Africa. In addition the study sought to investigate the major economic traits that could be negatively affected by inbreeding. The study was carried out in 2007 and 2009 by sampling households in five agro-ecological zones (AEZ) in Zimbabwe and three farming regions in South Africa. Data was captured in the form of surveys conducted using pre-tested questionnaires and included farmer socio-demographic information and household chicken flock sizes and composition. Data was also captured on traits that chicken farmers target when selecting or culling the flocks by ranking traits in order of importance, one being most important and eight being the least important. Three parameters i.e. effective population size (Ne), rate of inbreeding (AF) and the level of inbreeding (F) were estimated using different mathematical formulas. Statistical analysis of the effect of agro-ecological zone and country on each of the three parameters was done using Generalized Linear Models procedure in SAS. Results showed that Limpopo province of South Africa and AEZ III of Zimbabwe had highest and lowest Ne, respectively. Consequently, Limpopo and AEZ III had the lowest and the highest AF respectively. Both effective population size and rate of inbreeding varied significantly (p<0.05) between farming regions/agro ecological zones within countries. It was observed that chicken body size, reproductive performance, mothering ability and health were ranked high while body conformation and morphological traits (plumage color and comb shape) were ranked the least important traits for choosing animals for breeding and for culling chickens from the flock. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2015. | Effective population size; Farming region; Inbreeding; Village chicken | Animalia; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931395794 | Evaluation of cross-protection of bluetongue virus serotype 4 with other serotypes in sheep | Zulu G.B., Venter E.H. | 2014 | Journal of the South African Veterinary Association | 85 | 1 | 10.4102/jsava.v85i1.1041 | Experimental Animals: Onderstepoort Biological Products, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Zulu, G.B., Experimental Animals: Onderstepoort Biological Products, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Venter, E.H., Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Bluetongue (BT) is a non-contagious disease of sheep and other domestic and wild ruminants caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). Currently 26 serotypes of the virus have been identified. In South Africa, 22 serotypes have been identified and BT is controlled mainly by annual vaccinations using a freeze-dried live attenuated polyvalent BTV vaccine. The vaccine is constituted of 15 BTV serotypes divided into three separate bottles and the aim is to develop a vaccine using fewer serotypes without compromising the immunity against the disease. This study is based on previously reported cross-neutralisation of specific BTV serotypes in in vitro studies. Bluetongue virus serotype 4 was selected for this trial and was tested for cross-protection against serotype 4 (control), 1 (unrelated serotype), 9, 10 and 11 in sheep using the serum neutralisation test. The purpose of the study was to determine possible cross-protection of different serotypes in sheep. Of those vaccinated with BTV-4 and challenged with BTV-1, which is not directly related to BTV-4, 20% were completely protected and 80% showed clinical signs, but the reaction was not as severe as amongst the unvaccinated animals. In the group challenged with BTV-10, some showed good protection and some became very sick. Those challenged with BTV-9 and BTV-11 had good protection. The results showed that BTV-4 does not only elicit a specific immune response but can also protect against other serotypes. © 2014. The Authors. | None | bluetongue vaccine; core protein; live vaccine; neutralizing antibody; nonstructural protein 1; unclassified drug; virus vaccine; virus antibody; virus vaccine; animal experiment; antigen antibody reaction; Article; bleeding; bluetongue; Bluetongue orbivirus; Bluetongue orbivirus serotype 1; Bluetongue orbivirus serotype 11; Bluetongue orbivirus serotype 4; Bluetongue orbivirus serotype 9; cellular immunity; controlled study; cross protection; depression; dyspnea; humoral immunity; immunogenicity; in vitro study; nonhuman; sheep; vaccination; virus neutralization; animal; blood; bluetongue; Bluetongue orbivirus; classification; immunology; serotype; sheep; virology; Animalia; Bluetongue virus; Ovis aries; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Bluetongue; Bluetongue virus; Serogroup; Sheep; Viral Vaccines | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650664477 | Evaluation of the oxytocic activity of the ethanol extract of the roots of Alchornea cordifolia | Zuleikha N.A.M., Omonkhelin O.J., Buniyamin A.A., Paul I.O. | 2010 | International Journal of Green Pharmacy | 4 | 4 | 10.4103/0973-8258.74133 | Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Zuleikha, N.A.M., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Omonkhelin, O.J., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Buniyamin, A.A., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria; Paul, I.O., Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria | Alchornea cordifolia has been used traditionally for the induction of labour as an abortifacient. This study is aimed at verifying the folkloric use of the plant by investigating the effect of ethanolic extract of the root bark on the isolated stilboestrol pretreated uteri of non-pregnant female rats. The extract (1, 10, 50 g/l), oxytocin (4105 to 8103 g/l), acetylcholine (4106 to 8104 g/l), atropine (410 3 g/l), phenoxybenzamine (4103 g/l), diphenhydramine(2101 g/l), and verapamil (12102 g/l) were used. Log concentration response curves were plotted and EC 50 and Emax were obtained. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnet corrections using Graph pad Instat version 2.05a was used for statistical analysis. The extract produced dose-dependent contraction of the uterus. Its potency was less than that of oxytocin and acetylcholine (P<0.05), but the Emax showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The E max values of the extract in the presence of all antagonists were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The EC 50 in the presence of atropine showed no significant increase (P>0.05); however, in the presence of phenoxybenzamine, the increase was significant (P<0.05). The presence of diphenhydramine and verapamil produced an inhibition such that the EC 50 was unattainable. A. cordifolia stimulates the uterus possibly by binding to alpha-adrenergic or histaminergic receptors or both. This indicates the existence of active principles in the plant, which may be responsible for some of the applications in traditional medicines as an abortifacient and in the induction of labour. | Folkloric medicine; root bark; smooth muscles; uterine contraction | acetylcholine; alchornea cordifolia extract; alcohol; atropine; diphenhydramine; oxytocic agent; oxytocin; phenoxybenzamine; plant extract; unclassified drug; verapamil; alchornea cordifolia; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; drug antagonism; drug potency; Euphorbia; female; nonhuman; plant root; rat; uterus contraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872360882 | Echocardiographic screening for subclinical rheumatic heart disease remains a research tool pending studies of impact on prognosis | Zühlke L., Mayosi B.M. | 2013 | Current Cardiology Reports | 15 | 3 | 10.1007/s11886-012-0343-1 | Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, Old Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa | Zühlke, L., Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Medicine, Old Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa; Mayosi, B.M., Department of Medicine, Old Groote Schuur Hospital, Groote Schuur Drive, Observatory, 7945, Cape Town, South Africa | The application of portable echocardiography to the screening of asymptomatic children and young adults for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in developing countries indicates that the disease may affect 62 million to 78 million individuals worldwide, which could potentially result in 1.4 million deaths per year from RHD and its complications. The World Heart Federation has developed a guideline for the echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD in asymptomatic individuals without a history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in order to ensure the reliability, comparability, and reproducibility of findings of the echocardiographic screening studies. Early studies suggest that a third of individuals with asymptomatic subclinical RHD revert to normal echocardiographic findings on repeat testing after 6-12 months, suggesting that repeat echocardiography may be necessary to confirm the findings prior to consideration of interventions such as antibiotic prophylaxis. It is not known, however, whether echocardiographic screening for asymptomatic subclinical RHD or the introduction of antibiotic prophylaxis for affected individuals improves the prognosis of RHD. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of this screening method has not been established in the vast majority of affected countries. Therefore, echocardiographic screening for asymptomatic subclinical RHD remains a research tool until studies of impact on prognosis and cost-effectiveness are conducted. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013. | Echocardiographic screening; Rheumatic heart disease; Subclinical carditis; World Heart Federation guidelines | antibiotic prophylaxis; article; asymptomatic disease; clinical protocol; comparative effectiveness; cost effectiveness analysis; developing country; disease activity; disease classification; disease course; disease surveillance; echocardiography; health care cost; human; practice guideline; prognosis; reliability; repeat procedure; reproducibility; rheumatic heart disease | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750579636 | Synthesis and pesticidal evaluation of novel quin-8- oxytetramethyldiphenyldioxaphosphonine analogue | Zubair M.F., Oladosu I.A. | 2006 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 59 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria | Zubair, M.F., Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Oladosu, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria | Although a great deal of success has been achieved in the synthesis of dibenzodioxaphosphepin derivatives during the last few decades with the introduction of hundreds of its six-, and seven-membered ring systems, the search for more practical agronomic pesticides that is readily available and of good activity, remains attractive and important to an agronomic chemist. During the course of the development of synthetic routes to a promising pesticide, a facile preparation for a nine-membered heterocyclic dibenzodioxaphosphonine compound was discovered. Previously reported compounds consist of six- and seven-membered ring systems. The pure product was fully characterized by spectroscopic [IR, NMR (1H, 13C, 31P) and Mass] analyses. The pure compound possesses a LC50 value of 19.3 μg cm-3 in a brine shrimp lethality assay (BST). The preliminary field study on the cowpea weevil bioassay shows 51% success. Details of the synthetic route as well as bioassay results are reported herein. | BST; Candidate; Dibenzodioxaphosphonine; LC50 | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892798175 | Impact of the 2010 FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) World Cup on pediatric injury and mortality in Cape Town, South Africa | Zroback C., Levin D., Manlhiot C., Alexander A., Van As A.B., Azzie G. | 2014 | Journal of Pediatrics | 164 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.10.009 | Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Labatt Family Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Trauma Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; ChildSafe (Formerly Known As the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa), Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada | Zroback, C., Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Department of General Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Levin, D., Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Manlhiot, C., Labatt Family Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Alexander, A., Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Van As, A.B., Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Trauma Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, ChildSafe (Formerly Known As the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa), Cape Town, South Africa; Azzie, G., Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada | Objective To examine how a mass-gathering event (the Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup, 2010, South Africa) impacts trauma and mortality in the pediatric (≤18 years) population. Study design We investigated pediatric emergency visits at Cape Town's 3 largest public trauma centers and 3 private hospital groups, as well as deaths investigated by the 3 city mortuaries. We compared the 31 days of World Cup with equivalent periods from 2007-2009, and with the 2 weeks before and after the event. We also looked at the World Cup period in isolation and compared days with and without games in Cape Town. Results There was significantly decreased pediatric trauma volume during the World Cup, approximately 2/100â€̂000 (37%) fewer injuries per day, compared with 2009 and to both pre- and post-World Cup control periods (P <.001). This decrease occurred within a majority of injury subtypes, but did not change mortality. There were temporal fluctuations in emergency visits corresponding with local match start time, with fewer all-cause emergency visits during the 5 hours surrounding this time (-16.4%, P =.01), followed by a subsequent spike (+26.2%, P =.02). There was an increase in trauma 12 hours following matches (+15.6%, P =.06). Conclusions In Cape Town, during the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup, there were fewer emergency department visits for traumatic injury. Furthermore, there were fewer all-cause pediatric emergency department visits during hometown matches. These results will assist in planning for future mass-gathering events. | Federation Internationale de Football Association; FIFA; ICD-10; International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision | adolescent; adult; article; child; childhood injury; clinical examination; consultation; controlled study; cross-sectional study; emergency health service; emergency ward; female; football; human; infant; male; mortality; multicenter study; newborn; pediatrics; preschool child; priority journal; private hospital; school child; South Africa; sport; sport injury; young adult; Article; childhood injury; contusion; death; emergency care; football; intoxication; major clinical study; wound; Federation Internationale de Football Association; FIFA; ICD-10; International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Soccer; South Africa; Survival Rate; Wounds and Injuries | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927799281 | Drafting's improvement of 3000-m running performance in elite athletes: Is it a placebo effect? | Zouhal H., BenAbderrahman A., Prioux J., Knechtle B., Bouguerra L., Kebsi W., Noakes T.D. | 2015 | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | 10 | 2 | 10.1123/ijspp.2013-0498 | Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Higher Inst of Sport and Physical Education of Tunis, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia; Inst of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Zouhal, H., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; BenAbderrahman, A., Higher Inst of Sport and Physical Education of Tunis, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia; Prioux, J., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Knechtle, B., Inst of General Practice and for Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Bouguerra, L., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Kebsi, W., Movement, Sport, and Health Sciences Laboratory, University of Rennes 2, Rennes, France; Noakes, T.D., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Purpose: To determine the effect of drafting on running time, physiological response, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3000-m track running. Methods: Ten elite middle- and long-distance runners performed 3 track-running sessions. The 1st session determined maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using a lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas-exchange system (K4B<inf>2</inf>). The 2nd and the 3rd tests consisted of nondrafting 3000-m running (3000-mND) and 3000-m running with drafting for the 1st 2000 m (3000-mD) performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Results: Performance during the 3000-mND (553.59 ± 22.15 s) was significantly slower (P < .05) than during the 3000-mD (544.74 ± 18.72 s). Cardiorespiratory responses were not significantly different between the trials. However, blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) after the 3000-mND (16.4 ± 2.3 mmol/L) than after the 3000-mD (13.2 ± 5.6 mmol/L). Athletes perceived the 3000-mND as more strenuous than the 3000-mD (P < .05) (RPE = 16.1 ± 0.8 vs 13.1 ± 1.3). Results demonstrate that drafting has a significant effect on performance in highly trained runners. Conclusion: This effect could not be explained by a reduced energy expenditure or cardiorespiratory effort as a result of drafting. This raises the possibility that drafting may aid running performance by both physiological and nonphysiological (ie, psychological) effects. © 2015 Human Kinetics, Inc. | Endurance; Highly trained; Pacing; Rating of perceived exertion; Track running | lactic acid; adult; biomechanics; blood; endurance; energy metabolism; exercise; heart rate; human; lung ventilation; male; oxygen consumption; perception; physiology; placebo effect; psychology; running; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Energy Metabolism; Heart Rate; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Perception; Physical Endurance; Physical Exertion; Placebo Effect; Pulmonary Ventilation; Running | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548169083 | Evaluation of global clustering patterns and strain variation over an extended ORF26 gene locus from Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus | Zong J.-C., Kajumbula H., Boto W., Hayward G.S. | 2007 | Journal of Clinical Virology | 40 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcv.2007.06.013 | Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blunting Blaustein Cancer Research Bldg. 1650 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States; Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda | Zong, J.-C., Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blunting Blaustein Cancer Research Bldg. 1650 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States; Kajumbula, H., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda; Boto, W., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda; Hayward, G.S., Viral Oncology Program, Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Blunting Blaustein Cancer Research Bldg. 1650 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States | Background: Small 233-bp or 330-bp DNA fragments of the ORF26 gene of human Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) have been used extensively to identify KSHV by PCR in clinical samples; to associate KSHV with novel diseases and to correlate KSHV strain differences with pathogenicity. Objectives: We evaluated the nature, extent and source of nucleotide sequence variability among a large and diverse set of known KSHV-positive DNA samples. Study design: Direct DNA PCR sequencing was carried out on 136 distinct Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma-related samples from different geographic locations. Results: The presence of 26 diagnostic nucleotide polymorphisms across an expanded 965-bp PCR locus define eight distinct ORF26E genotypes, three being of Eurasian origin, one from the Pacific Rim, and five from Sub-Saharan Africa. Previous ambiguities between some genotype patterns in the 330-bp locus data are fully resolved. Conclusions: This analysis provides an expanded database for understanding and evaluating ORF26 polymorphisms. In particular, the eight genotype clusters correlated with specific ethnic and geographic origins of the patients. Furthermore, the very low level of additional sporadic nucleotide variation found permits detection of spurious sequence errors or contamination present in some published data. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Direct PCR sequencing; Multiple KSHV genotypes; Subtype discrimination | article; controlled study; correlation analysis; data base; diagnostic test; DNA polymorphism; DNA sequence; ethnicity; gene cluster; gene deletion; gene locus; gene sequence; genetic analysis; genetic variability; genotype; geography; Herpes virus; human; human cell; Kaposi sarcoma; lymphoma; nucleotide sequence; open reading frame; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; virus strain; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Base Sequence; Cluster Analysis; Demography; Genome, Viral; Genotype; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Humans; Molecular Sequence Data; Open Reading Frames; Polymorphism, Genetic; Sarcoma, Kaposi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931057849 | Managerial ownership and firm performance on selected jse listed firms | Zondi S., Sibanda M. | 2015 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 12 | 3CONT2 | None | School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Zondi, S., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Sibanda, M., School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | This paper investigates if there is a relationship between managerial ownership and firm performance in selected firms listed on the JSE, and if so, what that relationship is. The study conducts regression analyses over a sample of 23 retail sector firms, observing data stretching from 2010 to 2013. The results are found to be robust. The results suggest that the hypothesis that a positive relationship exists between managerial ownership and performance be rejected as a negative relationship is found. Instead, the results of a two-stage least squares (2SLS) analysis find that managerial ownership does not impact firm performance in any direction. Overall the results of the study do not support the agency theory, as aligning the interests of managers and shareholders does not improve firm performance, at least within the retail sector. © 2015, Virtus Interpress. All rights reserved. | Corporate governance; Endogeneity; Firm performance; Managerial ownership; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-38649129788 | Land area eligible for afforestation and reforestation within the clean development mechanism: A global analysis of the impact of forest definition | Zomer R.J., Trabucco A., Verchot L.V., Muys B. | 2008 | Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change | 13 | 3 | 10.1007/s11027-007-9087-4 | International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; c/o IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka | Zomer, R.J., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka, c/o IWMI, P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Trabucco, A., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Verchot, L.V., World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Muys, B., Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E, 3001 Leuven, Belgium | Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Kyoto Protocol, countries have significant latitude to define a forest. The most important parameter affecting area designated as forest is the minimum crown cover which can be set between 10 and 30%. The choice will have implications for the amount of land available in a country for afforestation and reforestation activities within the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM-AR). In this paper, we present an analysis of the regional differences in land availability for CDM-AR projects. We then examine how the choice of a high or low threshold value for crown cover will affect the area available for CDM activities and how the limitations imposed by this element of the definition compares to other factors that are likely to limit CDM activities. Results represent a global analysis that included all countries not included in Annex I of the Kyoto Protocol, and examined the effect on land availability of a range of crown cover thresholds ranging from 10-30%. Of the 140 Non-Annex One countries, 107 countries were found to have a potential for CDM-AR projects. Asia had the largest amount of combined area suitable for CDM-AR at the 10% crown cover threshold level. However, at 30%, South America had the greatest amount of land available, and a large change in available land area, which increased by almost five times compared to what was available at the 10% threshold. The area available in Africa increased by a factor of 5.5. Central America showed the largest increase, to almost 10 times more at the 30% threshold. By contrast, within Asia, the area increase was comparatively less, but still the area nearly doubled. Globally, a low threshold of 10% crown cover excluded almost 2/3 of the land identified that was eligible at 30%, over 5 million km2. The spatial analyses showed not only the effects of the choice of the crown cover criterion, but also where the land was available for CDM activities within each country at different thresholds. Protected areas account for 10-20% of the CDM-AR eligible area in most countries. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, B.V. | Afforestation/Reforestation; Carbon sequestration; CDM-AR; Clean development mechanism; Climate change mitigation; Forest definition; Global spatial analysis; Land suitability modeling; Land use land cover and forestry (LULUCF) | afforestation; clean development mechanism; comparative study; environmental impact assessment; forest cover; reforestation; spatial analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958150855 | Electrical performance results of an energy efficient building with an integrated photovoltaic system | Ziuku S., Meyer E.L. | 2010 | Journal of Energy in Southern Africa | 21 | 3 | None | Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | Ziuku, S., Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa; Meyer, E.L., Fort Hare Institute of Technology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa | A 3.8 kW rooftop photovoltaic generator has been installed on an energy efficient house built at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus, South Africa. The system, located on the north facing roof, started generating electrical power in February 2009. In addition to providing electrical energy, the photovoltaic panels also act as the building roofing material. An instrumentation and data acquisition system was installed to record the indoor and outdoor ambient temperature, indoor and outdoor relative humidity, wind speed and direction, solar irradiance, electrical energy produced by the solar panels and the household energy consumption. This paper presents the initial results of the electrical performance of the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) generator and energy consumption patterns in the energy efficient house. | Building integrated photovoltaics; Energy consumption; Energy demand; Energy efficiency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877583730 | HIV-associated lipodystrophy in South Africa: The impact on the patient and the impact on the plastic surgeon | Zinn R.J., Serrurier C., Takuva S., Sanne I., Menezes C.N. | 2013 | Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery | 66 | 6 | 10.1016/j.bjps.2013.02.032 | Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Zinn, R.J., Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Serrurier, C., Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Takuva, S., Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sanne, I., Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Menezes, C.N., Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | SummaryBackground With 67% of the world's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population existing in sub-Saharan Africa and recent access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the demand for plastic surgical intervention in addressing lipodystrophy has expanded dramatically. We assessed the rate of lipodystrophy in a random clinic cohort, the demand for surgical correction and risk of treatment non-compliance. Method Questionnaire and database cross-sectional review of 554 patients over a 3-month period at the Themba Lethu Clinic, Johannesburg, South Africa. Results A total of 479 patients completed the questionnaire, 83% were female. Nearly 90% of patients were on, or had been on, stavudine (d4T). The prevalence of lipodystrophy was 11.7%. Nearly 5.9% of patients had considered stopping treatment due to the development of lipodystrophy; 47% would consider surgery to correct unwanted physical changes. Male patients were satisfied by the changes they noted in their physical features following treatment (pre-treatment satisfaction 38% vs. post-treatment satisfaction of 94%). Female patients had 6.5 times more breast hypertrophy-related symptoms than in their pre-treatment state. Conclusion We identify a prevalence of 11.7% of patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, of whom 5.9% would consider non-compliance on the basis of this side effect alone. The demand for surgical correction is significant and needs to be addressed. © 2013 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Keywords Lipodystrophy Compliance Stigma Highly-active antiretroviral therapy Stavudine | stavudine; adult; article; breast hypertrophy; cross-sectional study; female; HIV associated lipodystrophy; human; major clinical study; male; patient compliance; patient satisfaction; plastic surgery; priority journal; sex difference; South Africa; surgery; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Proportional Hazards Models; Questionnaires; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Risk Factors; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941746539 | Assessment of adoption and impact of rainwater harvesting technologies on rural farm household income: the case of rainwater harvesting ponds in Rwanda | Zingiro A., Okello J.J., Guthiga P.M. | 2014 | Environment, Development and Sustainability | 16 | 6 | 10.1007/s10668-014-9527-8 | University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Zingiro, A., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Okello, J.J., University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya; Guthiga, P.M., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Rainwater harvesting is increasingly viewed as a major strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting farm income in many drought-prone areas. While this technology is being promoted in many developing countries, there is conflicting evidence in the literature about its impact on welfare of farm households. This study uses propensity score matching and discrete choice regression techniques to assess the impact of rainwater harvesting ponds on farm household income and factors that influence adoption of such technologies in Rwanda. It finds that households with rainwater harvesting ponds have significantly higher income than their counterparts of comparable observable characteristics. It further finds evidence that increase in farm income occurs via increased input use and that household size, asset endowments and participation in farmer organizations condition adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds. The study concludes that adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies has positive benefits on farm households. It discusses the policy implications that adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds presents a pathway for reducing rural poverty. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Adoption and impact; Propensity score matching; Rainwater harvesting ponds; Rwanda | adoption constraint; agricultural production; cost-benefit analysis; developing world; drought; environmental impact assessment; farmers attitude; harvesting; household income; literature review; policy approach; pond; poverty; rainwater; rural area; social conflict; sustainability; welfare impact; Rwanda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880042718 | Effects of within-litter birth weight variation of piglets on performance at 3 weeks of age and at weaning in a Large White×Landrace sow herd | Zindove T.J., Dzomba E.F., Kanengoni A.T., Chimonyo M. | 2013 | Livestock Science | 155 | 42403 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.04.013 | Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Genetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Animal Production Institute, ARC, P. Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa | Zindove, T.J., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Dzomba, E.F., Genetics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Kanengoni, A.T., Animal Production Institute, ARC, P. Bag X2, Irene 0062, South Africa; Chimonyo, M., Animal and Poultry Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The effect of piglet birth weight variation on subsequent weight variations and litter performance in Large White×Landrace sows is not well understood. The objective of the current study was to determine the relationship between within-litter birth weight coefficient of variation (CVB) and performance of piglets at 3 weeks and at weaning. A total of 1836 litter records, collected between January 1998 and September 2010 at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Irene, were used. The CVB had a linear relationship with survival at 3 weeks (SURV3) (b=-0.20; P<0.05) and within-litter weight coefficient of variation at 3 weeks (CV3) (b=0.50; P<0.05). Litters with high CVB had more deaths at 3 weeks (P<0.05). Increase of CV3 with CVB varied with parity (P<0.05). The rate of increase of CV3 with CVB was highest in Parity 1 (b=0.41) followed by Parity 2 (b=0.36) then middle aged (Parity 3-5) sows (b=0.32). There was no significant relationship between CVB and litter weight at 3 weeks (LWt3) or mean litter weight at 3 weeks (MWt3) (P>0.05). Weight variation at weaning was positively skewed (skewness value of 0.81). The survival to 3 weeks (SURV3) ranged from 13.3% to 100% with a mean of 87.6%. The CVB had a linear relationship with both within-litter weaning weight coefficient of variation (CVW) (b=0.50; P<0.05) and percent survival to weaning (SURVW) (b=-0.04; P<0.05). There was an unfavorable positive relationship between CVB with both CVW and SURVW. It can be concluded that litter performance at weaning is related to CVB. © 2013. | Coefficient of variation; Parity; Piglets; Survivability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906253269 | Climate change impacts and adaptation in South Africa | Ziervogel G., New M., Archer van Garderen E., Midgley G., Taylor A., Hamann R., Stuart-Hill S., Myers J., Warburton M. | 2014 | Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change | 5 | 5 | 10.1002/wcc.295 | Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; CSIR/School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Pretoria, South Africa; South African National Botanical Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa | Ziervogel, G., Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; New, M., African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Archer van Garderen, E., CSIR/School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Pretoria, South Africa; Midgley, G., South African National Botanical Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa; Taylor, A., African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hamann, R., Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Stuart-Hill, S., School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa; Myers, J., School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Warburton, M., School for Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa | In this paper we review current approaches and recent advances in research on climate impacts and adaptation in South Africa. South Africa has a well-developed earth system science research program that underpins the climate change scenarios developed for the southern African region. Established research on the biophysical impacts of climate change on key sectors (water, agriculture, and biodiversity) integrates the climate change scenarios but further research is needed in a number of areas, such as the climate impacts on cities and the built environment. National government has developed a National Climate Change Response White Paper, but this has yet to translate into policy that mainstreams adaptation in everyday practice and longer-term planning in all spheres and levels of government. A national process to scope long-term adaptation scenarios is underway, focusing on cross-sectoral linkages in adaptation responses at a national level. Adaptation responses are emerging in certain sectors. Some notable city-scale and project-based adaptation responses have been implemented, but institutional challenges persist. In addition, a number of knowledge gaps remain in relation to the biophysical and socio-economic impacts of climate change. A particular need is to develop South Africa's capacity to undertake integrated assessments of climate change that can support climate-resilient development planning. © 2014 The Authors. WIREs Climate Change published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | None | adaptive management; climate change; environmental planning; environmental policy; socioeconomic impact; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750290855 | Impact of repeated mass treatment on human Oesophagostomum and hookworm infections in northern Ghana | Ziem J.B., Magnussen P., Olsen A., Horton J., Asigri V.L.L., Polderman A.M. | 2006 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 11 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01729.x | Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands; School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana; DBL-Institute for Health Research and Development, Charlottenlund, Denmark; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Liverpool University, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Parasitic Diseases Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Tamale, Ghana; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands | Ziem, J.B., Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana; Magnussen, P., DBL-Institute for Health Research and Development, Charlottenlund, Denmark; Olsen, A., DBL-Institute for Health Research and Development, Charlottenlund, Denmark; Horton, J., Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Liverpool University, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Asigri, V.L.L., Parasitic Diseases Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Tamale, Ghana; Polderman, A.M., Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, Netherlands | Oesophagostomum bifurcum is a common parasite of humans causing disease in parts of northern Ghana and northern Togo. The impact of repeated mass treatment with albendazole on infection with O. bifurcum and hookworm is analysed and the results compared with those in a control area where no treatment was given. At baseline, O. bifurcum and hookworm prevalences were 53.0% and 86.9%, respectively (n = 1011). After 12 months, following two rounds of albendazole treatment, prevalences decreased significantly to 5.4% for O. bifurcum and 36.8% for hookworm (n = 535). Twenty-four months after the baseline survey and following a total of four rounds of treatment, prevalences were further reduced to 0.8% and 23.4% for O. bifurcum and hookworm, respectively (n = 478). Overall, there was a significant decrease in the larval counts, measured as geometric mean larval count per 4 g of stool of O. bifurcum from 3.0 to 0.1 and of hookworm from 47.2 to 1.8. The fourth mass treatment was carried out in April 2003 by the Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme. Overall, compliance to treatment varied from 70% to 80%. In the control area, Oesophagostomum prevalence increased from 18.5% to 37.0% and the intensity from 0.4 to 1.4. For hookworm, both prevalence (86.1-91.3%) and intensity (54.8-74.3) increased but not to a significant level. The prospects of eliminating human oesophagostomiasis from the intervention area, while simultaneously achieving an important reduction of hookworm prevalences by albendazole mass treatment, are discussed. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Control; Ghana; Hookworm; Mass treatment; Oesophagostomum bifurcum | albendazole; disease treatment; drug; filariasis; infectious disease; parasite prevalence; parasitic disease; adolescent; adult; aged; article; child; controlled study; feces analysis; female; geometry; Ghana; health program; health survey; hookworm infection; human; larval development; major clinical study; male; measurement; nematodiasis; patient compliance; prevalence; statistical significance; Strongyloidea; treatment outcome; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Albendazole; Anthelmintics; Child; Child, Preschool; Endemic Diseases; Female; Ghana; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Oesophagostomiasis; Parasite Egg Count; Population Surveillance; Prevalence; Rural Health; Sex Distribution; Treatment Outcome; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; Togo; West Africa; Ancylostomatoidea; Oesophagostomum; Oesophagostomum bifurcum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48349091332 | Influence of different morphologies on electrochemical performance of spinel LiMn2O4 | Zhu H.-L., Chen Z.-Y., Ji S., Linkov Vladimir. | 2008 | Solid State Ionics | 179 | 27-32 | 10.1016/j.ssi.2008.01.058 | Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 410076, China; SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | Zhu, H.-L., Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 410076, China; Chen, Z.-Y., Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 410076, China, SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Ji, S., SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Linkov, Vladimir., SAIAMC, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | A controlled crystallization method was adopted to synthesize spherical MnCO3, then it was mixed uniformly with Li2CO3 in agate mortar, followed by calcinations at 600 °C and 800 °C for 10 and 24 h respectively, and as a result the spherical or sphere-like spinel LiMn2O4 was formed. The electrochemical performances of LiMn2O4 prepared by normal solid-state reaction and controlled crystallization method respectively were compared. It showed that the stoichiometric spherical LiMn2O4 had obviously excellent electrochemical performance, whose initial reversible capacity was 129.40 mAh/g with the high capacity retention of 95.28% after 100 cycles, than those of the polyhedral LiMn2O4 synthesized by the solid-state reaction, whose initial reversible capacity was 129.12 mAh/g with the capacity retention of 77.38% after 100 cycles. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Cathode materials; LiMn2O4; Lithium ion batteries; Polyhedral; Spherical | Controlled crystallization; Electrochemical performances; Spherical(pivot) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555193672 | Gold nanoparticles show electroactivity: Counting and sorting nanoparticles upon impact with electrodes | Zhou Y.-G., Rees N.V., Pillay J., Tshikhudo R., Vilakazi S., Compton R.G. | 2012 | Chemical Communications | 48 | 2 | 10.1039/c1cc16407d | Dept. of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom; Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa | Zhou, Y.-G., Dept. of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom; Rees, N.V., Dept. of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom; Pillay, J., Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Tshikhudo, R., Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Vilakazi, S., Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg 2125, South Africa; Compton, R.G., Dept. of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom | Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous 0.10 M HCl are shown to be electroactive at oxidising potentials greater than 1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) by means of voltammetric monitoring of AuNP-electrode collisions. The method promises the use of anodic particle coulometry for the detection and characterisation of the AuNPs. | None | chloride; gold nanoparticle; aqueous solution; article; coulometry; electrode; potentiometry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954635387 | Performance of solar chimney power plant in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau | Zhou X., Wang F., Fan J., Ochieng R.M. | 2010 | Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews | 14 | 8 | 10.1016/j.rser.2010.04.017 | Department of Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory for Engineering Structural Analysis and Safety Assessment, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Department of Physics and Materials Science, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno, Kenya | Zhou, X., Department of Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China, Hubei Key Laboratory for Engineering Structural Analysis and Safety Assessment, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Wang, F., Department of Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China, Hubei Key Laboratory for Engineering Structural Analysis and Safety Assessment, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Fan, J., Hubei Key Laboratory for Engineering Structural Analysis and Safety Assessment, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China; Ochieng, R.M., Department of Physics and Materials Science, Maseno University, P.O. Box 333, Maseno, Kenya | A solar chimney power plant (SCPP) is proposed to be built in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau where there is abundant solar radiation, high direct solar radiation low atmospheric temperature, large diurnal temperature range, and lots of salt lakes working as heat storage system, which can help to improve the power output of SCPP. The plant is expected to power local railway traffic lines and act as a solar power base to supply power for national development. The performance of the SCPP that will be built in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is analyzed and power potential estimated by developing a simple mathematical model. It is found that SCPP if built in the plateau can produce twice more power than an SCPP built on the same latitude of other regions. The yearly power potential for SCPP in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is estimated to be 86.8 million TJ. When 10-20% of the plateau land is used for the SCPP, the yearly power output may reach 8.7 million TJ to 17.4 million TJ, accounting for 10.7-21.3% of China's energy consumption in 2008 which stood at 81.6 million TJ. It is found that the SCPP in the plateau can support local and national development together with other renewable energy resources such as hydroelectric power and wind power. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Power generation; Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; Solar chimney; Solar collector | Direct solar radiation; Diurnal temperature ranges; Energy consumption; Heat storage systems; National development; Power out put; Power potential; Qinghai Tibet plateau; Railway traffic; Salt lakes; Solar chimney; Solar chimney power plant; Solar power; Energy resources; Heat storage; Hydroelectric power; Mathematical models; Power plants; Solar collectors; Solar heating; Solar radiation; Sun; Wind power; Solar chimneys | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901371918 | Family evaluation for quality traits in South African sugarcane breeding programmes | Zhou M., Lichakane M., Joshi S.V. | 2013 | International Sugar Journal | 115 | 1374 | None | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa | Zhou, M., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa; Lichakane, M., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa; Joshi, S.V., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa | Family evaluation involves the selection or rejection of entire families of seedlings based on information derived from replicated family plots, and is widely practised in sugarcane breeding programmes. After family evaluation, individual seedling selection is restricted to the selected elite families. Family evaluation data is also used to determine breeding values of parent populations. The objectives of this study were to determine the effectiveness of family evaluation and determine potential selection gains over time for quality traits across South African Sugarcane Research Institute regional breeding and selection programmes. Data for various quality traits were collected from Stage I (Single Stools) of all the regional breeding programmes and analysed using the Mixed Procedure of the Statistical Analysis System. There were highly significant (P<0.001) differences between families for the effectiveness of family selection. There were increasing family effects differences with advancing series, indicating the cumulative benefits of family selection. Estimated recoverable crystal (ERC) % cane, Pol % cane and Brix % cane produced the largest gains from family selection, indicating that the current approach is effective. Brix % cane, a trait that can be easily measured with a hand held refractometer, could be used to evaluate within-family variability, an important parameter for family evaluation. The 12-month programmes produced larger gains from family selection than the longer cycle programmes. Future studies should determine the breeding values of parent populations. | Broad sense heritability; Covariance parameters; Plant breeding; Selection gains; Sugarcane | Population statistics; Sugar cane; Breeding programmes; Broad-sense heritability; Covariance parameters; Cumulative benefits; Plant breeding; Research institutes; Selection gains; Statistical analysis systems; Quality control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901322224 | Family Evaluation for Sugarcane Yield Using Data Estimated from Stalk Number, Height, and Diameter | Zhou M. | 2014 | Journal of Crop Improvement | 28 | 3 | 10.1080/15427528.2014.906528 | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Zhou, M., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Family selection in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), as practiced in Australia, was difficult to implement in South Africa because of the non-availability of mechanical harvesting and automatic weighing machines. This study explored the potential of evaluating cane yield of sugarcane families estimated using stalk number, stalk height, and stalk diameter as compared to individual seedling selection. Data for stalk number, stalk height, and stalk diameter were collected from Bruyns Hill and irrigated populations and analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) to estimate variance components and best linear unbiased predictors (BLUP). A sample of 500 seedlings produced a significant association (r = 89, P < 0.0001) between actual and estimated cane yield. The results showed significant differences for cane yield among families. Family estimates of broad-sense heritability (H) and percent predicted gains (%Gs) were larger than for individual seedling selection. Elite families within populations were identified using BLUP. Data from four replications and 10 seedlings per plot were adequate for family evaluation. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Best linear unbiased prediction; broad-sense heritability; cane yield component; family selection; predicted gains from selection | 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-s2.0-84942279418 | Impact of pairing correlations on the orientation of the nuclear spin | Zhao P.W., Zhang S.Q., Meng J. | 2015 | Physical Review C - Nuclear Physics | 92 | 3 | 10.1103/PhysRevC.92.034319 | Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States; State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China; School of Physics and Nuclear Energy Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China; Department of Physics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Zhao, P.W., Physics Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States, State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China; Zhang, S.Q., State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China; Meng, J., State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China, School of Physics and Nuclear Energy Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China, Department of Physics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | For the first time, the tilted axis cranking covariant density functional theory with pairing correlations has been formulated and implemented in a fully self-consistent and microscopic way to investigate the evolution of the spin axis and the pairing effects in rotating triaxial nuclei. The measured energy spectrum and transition probabilities for the Nd135 yrast band are reproduced well without any ad hoc renormalization factors when pairing effects are taken into account. A transition from collective to chiral rotation has been demonstrated. It is found that pairing correlations introduce additional admixtures in the single-particle orbitals, and, thus, influence the structure of tilted axis rotating nuclei by reducing the magnitude of the proton and neutron angular momenta while merging their direction. © 2015 American Physical Society. | None | None | DOE, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 11105005, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 11175002, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 11335002, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 11375015, NSFC, Na |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-35348913706 | Parasitological impact of 2-year preventive chemotherapy on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Uganda | Zhang Y., Koukounari A., Kabatereine N., Fleming F., Kazibwe F., Tukahebwa E., Stothard J.R., Webster J.P., Fenwick A. | 2007 | BMC Medicine | 5 | None | 10.1186/1741-7015-5-27 | Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom | Zhang, Y., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Koukounari, A., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Kabatereine, N., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Fleming, F., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Kazibwe, F., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Tukahebwa, E., Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Stothard, J.R., Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; Webster, J.P., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Fenwick, A., Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom | Background: Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are among the neglected tropical diseases in Africa. A national control program for these diseases was initiated in Uganda during March 2003. Annual treatment with praziquantel and albendazole was given to schoolchildren in endemic areas and to adults in selected communities where local prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in schoolchildren was high. Methods: The impact of the treatment program was monitored through cohorts of schoolchildren and adults. Their infection status with S. mansoni and STH was determined by parasitological examinations at baseline and at annual follow-ups. The prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni and STH before and after treatment were analyzed. Results: Two rounds of treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in schoolchildren across three regions in the country from 33.4-49.3% to 9.7-29.6%, and intensity of infection from 105.7-386.8 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) to 11.6-84.1 epg. The prevalence of hookworm infection was reduced from 41.2-57.9% to 5.5-16.1%, and intensity of infection from 186.9-416.8 epg to 3.7-36.9 epg. The proportion of children with heavy S. mansoni infection was significantly reduced from 15% (95% CI 13.4-16.8%) to 2.3% (95% CI 1.6-3.0%). In adults, significant reduction in the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni and hookworm infections was also observed. More importantly, the prevalence and intensity of both S. mansoni and hookworm infections in the cohorts of newly-recruited 6-year-olds who had never previously received treatment decreased significantly over 2 years: 34.9% (95% CI 31.9-37.8%) to 22.6% (95% CI 19.9-25.2%) and 171.1 epg (95% CI 141.5-200.7) to 72.0 epg (95% CI 50.9-93.1) for S. mansoni; and 48.4% (95% CI 45.4-51.5) to 15.9% (95% CI 13.6-18.2) and 232.7 epg (95% CI 188.4-276.9) to 51.4 epg (95% CI 33.4-69.5) for hookworms, suggesting a general decline in environmental transmission levels. Conclusion: Annual anthelminthic treatment delivered to schoolchildren and to adults at high risk in Uganda can significantly reduce the prevalence and intensity of infection for schistosomiasis and STH, and potentially also significantly reduce levels of environmental transmission of infection. © 2007 Zhang et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | albendazole; praziquantel; antineoplastic agent; adult; article; ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; child; cohort analysis; confidence interval; controlled study; endemic disease; female; follow up; helminthiasis; high risk population; hookworm infection; human; infection prevention; infection risk; major clinical study; male; parasite control; parasite prevalence; parasite transmission; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis; treatment duration; trichuriasis; Trichuris; Uganda; animal; comparative study; disease transmission; helminthiasis; parasitology; Schistosoma mansoni; soil; Uganda; Adult; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Child; Cohort Studies; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Helminthiasis; Humans; Male; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Soil; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845674189 | Impact of utilizing p16INK4A immunohistochemistry on estimated performance of three cervical cancer screening tests | Zhang Q., Kuhn L., Denny L.A., De Souza M., Taylor S., Wright Jr. T.C. | 2007 | International Journal of Cancer | 120 | 2 | 10.1002/ijc.22172 | Department of Pathology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Obstetrics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Pathology, P and S Building, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States | Zhang, Q., Department of Pathology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Kuhn, L., Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Denny, L.A., Department of Obstetrics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; De Souza, M., Department of Obstetrics, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Taylor, S., Department of Pathology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Wright Jr., T.C., Department of Pathology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States, Department of Pathology, P and S Building, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States | The histopathological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2,3 (CIN 2,3) is subjective and prone to variability. In our study, we analyzed the impact of utilizing a biomarker (p16INK4A) together with histopathology to refine the "gold standard" utilized for evaluating the performance of 3 different cervical cancer screening tests: cervical cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Cervical biopsies from 2 South African cervical cancer screening studies originally diagnosed by a single pathologist were reevaluated by a second pathologist and a consensus pathology diagnosis obtained. Immunohistochemical staining for p16INK4A was then performed. The estimated sensitivity of some cervical cancer screening tests was markedly impacted by the criteria utilized to define CIN 2,3. Use of routine histopathology markedly underestimated the sensitivity of both conventional cytology and HPV DNA testing compared to an improved gold standard of consensus pathology and p16INK4A positivity. In contrast, routine histopathology overestimated the sensitivity of VIA. Our results demonstrate that refining the diagnosis of CIN 2,3 through the use of consensus pathology and immunohistochemical staining for p16INK4A has an important impact on measurement of the performance of cervical cancer screening tests. The sensitivity of screening tests such as HPV DNA testing and conventional cytology may be underestimated when an imperfect gold standard (routine histopathology) is used. In contrast, the sensitivity of other tests, such as VIA, may be overestimated with an imperfect gold standard. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. | Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia; p16 immunohistochemistry | acetic acid; protein p16INK4a; virus DNA; protein p16INK4a; adult; aged; article; cancer classification; cancer grading; cancer screening; consensus; diagnostic accuracy; disease marker; DNA determination; female; histopathology; human; immunohistochemistry; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; priority journal; uterine cervix biopsy; uterine cervix cancer; uterine cervix cytology; visual analog scale; Wart virus; evaluation; immunohistochemistry; mass screening; methodology; pathology; uterine cervix carcinoma in situ; uterine cervix tumor; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Mass Screening; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882932531 | Use of APSDM and EM_press inversion to impact evaluation of a west africa deepwater discovery | Zhang M., Lazaratos S., Yu Y., Lee J.J., Boorman S., Anderson K., Illo O. | 2009 | SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts | 28 | 1 | None | ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, United States; ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, United States; ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Deepwater West Limited, Nigeria | Zhang, M., ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, United States; Lazaratos, S., ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, United States; Yu, Y., ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, United States; Lee, J.J., ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Boorman, S., ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Anderson, K., ExxonMobil Development Company, United States; Illo, O., Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Deepwater West Limited, Nigeria | Summary: In this paper we discuss the impact of APSDM and EM_PreSS inversion technology on the evaluation of a West Africa deepwater field. The field is located in an ExxonMobil operated block. The trap was defined as a distributary channel complex (DCC) on the flank of a faulted anticline. The hydrocarbon bearing sands have a class III AVO response for gas and a class III or II AVO response for oil. An exploration well and its side track discovered multiple oil reservoirs in Miocene sands. Using pre-stack time migrated (PSTM) data, dual fluid contacts were observed and interpreted for multiple reservoirs in several fault blocks. In general, oil-water-contacts (OWC's) observed on the PSTM data conform better to the depth structure maps than the gas-oil-contacts (GOC's). The GOC's are inconsistent across the fault blocks. The imaging of the GOC's was improved by anisotropic pre-stack depth migration (APSDM) and further sharpened by additional EM_PreSS inversion processing. An appraisal well and its side track confirmed the GOC determined from seismic interpretation. Use of the APSDM and EM_PreSS inversion favorably impacted business decisions during field appraisal and development planning, increasing our confidence to pursue development without drilling more appraisal wells. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901811985 | Receding horizon trajectory optimization with terminal impact specifications | Zhang L., Sun M., Chen Z., Wang Z., Wang Y. | 2014 | Mathematical Problems in Engineering | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/604705 | Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, Liaoning 123000, China; Department of Electrical and Mining Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, South Africa | Zhang, L., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China, School of Mechanical Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, Liaoning 123000, China; Sun, M., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Chen, Z., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Wang, Z., Department of Electrical and Mining Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida 1710, South Africa; Wang, Y., Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, College of Computer and Control Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China | The trajectory optimization problem subject to terminal impact time and angle specifications can be reformulated as a nonlinear programming problem using the Gauss pseudospectral method. The cost function of the trajectory optimization problem is modified to reduce the terminal control energy. A receding horizon optimization strategy is implemented to reject the errors caused by the motion of a surface target. Several simulations were performed to validate the proposed method via the C programming language. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and that the real-time requirement can be easily achieved if the C programming language is used to realize it. © 2014 Limin Zhang et al. | None | Aerodynamics; Computer programming languages; Nonlinear programming; Optimization; Specifications; Trajectories; Gauss pseudo-spectral methods; Nonlinear programming problem; Real time requirement; Receding horizon; Receding horizon optimization; Surface target; Terminal control; Trajectory optimization; Problem oriented languages | 78673, National Research Foundation; 81705, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938526082 | Use of the MSCR test to characterize the asphalt binder properties relative to HMA rutting performance - A laboratory study | Zhang J., Walubita L.F., Faruk A.N.M., Karki P., Simate G.S. | 2015 | Construction and Building Materials | 94 | None | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.06.044 | Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Zhang, J., Texas AandM University, College Station, TX, United States; Walubita, L.F., Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; Faruk, A.N.M., Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; Karki, P., Texas AandM Transportation Institute, Texas AandM University System, College Station, TX, United States; Simate, G.S., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Abstract Permanent deformation (or rutting) is one of the common distresses occurring in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. HMA is predominantly composed of aggregates and asphalt binder; and the asphalt binder plays a significant role in the HMA performance including permanent deformation and rutting resistance. In order to characterize the properties of the asphalt binder related to HMA rutting, the Superpave performance grade system uses the high-temperature grade, which is determined based on the complex shear modulus (|G∗|) and phase angle (δ) parameter (G∗/sinδ) that is measured from the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test. However, G∗/sinδ is not a performance-based parameter. Therefore, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a performance-based PG binder test, the Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test, to supplement the conventional DSR high temperature test. The primary objective of this laboratory study was to compare the two asphalt binder tests (the MSCR and the DSR high-temperature grade) and two HMA rutting related performance tests (the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test [HWTT] and the Repeated Loading Permanent Deformation [RLPD] Test) for characterizing the asphalt binder high temperature properties relative to HMA permanent deformation and rutting performance. For the asphalt binders and HMA evaluated, the MSCR showed a better correlation with the two rutting related performance tests (HWTT and RLPD) than the DSR high temperature grade. Thus, the MSCR test results shows promise to supplement or serve as a surrogate to the existing DSR test in characterizing the asphalt binder high temperature properties that are related to HMA rutting. However, more lab testing and field validation is still warranted to complement the results and findings reported herein. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Asphalt binder; DSR; G∗; HWTT; J<inf>nr</inf>; MSCR; Permanent deformation; RLPD; Rutting | Asphalt; Asphalt pavements; Creep; Deformation; High temperature properties; Highway administration; Asphalt binders; DSR; HWTT; MSCR; Permanent deformations; RLPD; Rutting; Binders | TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61449107995 | What contributes to the enhanced use of customer, competition and technology knowledge for product innovation performance?. A survey of multinational industrial companies' subsidiaries operating in China | Zhang J., Hoenig S., Di Benedetto A., Lancioni R.A., Phatak A. | 2009 | Industrial Marketing Management | 38 | 2 | 10.1016/j.indmarman.2008.12.007 | Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong; School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States | Zhang, J., Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong; Hoenig, S., School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Di Benedetto, A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States; Lancioni, R.A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States; Phatak, A., Department of Marketing, Fox School of Business and Management, Temple University, 523 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States | This study extends an emerging research area in knowledge management to new product development by empirically examining the factors associated with the use of different types of knowledge flows from various sources and product innovation performance (i.e., market success of new products) in the multinational companies' subsidiaries in China. The findings seem to indicate the vitality of considering a broad spectrum of knowledge management related variables such as a subsidiary's product development strategy, market conditions it faces, its knowledge capacity and knowledge support structure. Furthermore, we found that subsidiaries with better performance are generally excel in the use of competition knowledge flow, the development of moderate innovative products, communication among different functional departments or product development groups, the codification of knowledge, and a supportive culture. © 2008. | China; Knowledge flow; Knowledge management; Product innovation performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649920810 | Product development strategy, product innovation performance, and the mediating role of knowledge utilization: Evidence from subsidiaries in China | Zhang J., Di Benedetto C.A., Hoenig S. | 2009 | Journal of International Marketing | 17 | 2 | 10.1509/jimk.17.2.42 | Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing and Senior Washburn Reserch Fellow, Fox School of Business, Temple University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Marketing, School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwater-srand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Zhang, J., Department of Marketing, Hong Kong Baptist University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Di Benedetto, C.A., Department of Marketing and Senior Washburn Reserch Fellow, Fox School of Business, Temple University, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hoenig, S., Department of Marketing, School of Economic and Business Sciences, University of Witwater-srand, Johannesburg, South Africa | This study examines the interplay of product development strategy, knowledge utilization, and product innovation performance in the context of Chinese subsidiaries of multinational companies. When firms strive to develop highly innovative products (breakthrough focus), the amount of resources allocated has a U-shaped relationship to subsequent product innovation performance (i.e., market rewards of new products). When the aim of product development activity is to reinforce and maintain moderately innovative products (platform focus), increased resource allocation shows a positive relationship to product innovation performance. The amount of resources allocated to minor revisions (incremental focus) shows no significant relationship to product innovation performance. Knowledge utilization is an important predictor of the benefits of developing highly and moderately innovative products. Moreover, it helps to mitigate the drawbacks of a breakthrough focus and strengthens the positive impact of a platform focus. © 2009, American Marketing Association. | China; Knowledge utilization; Product development strategy; Product innovation performance; Subsidiaries | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919837780 | Impact of culture on perceptions of landscape names | Zhang C., Gursoy D., Deng Z., Gao J. | 2015 | Tourism Geographies | 17 | 1 | 10.1080/14616688.2014.959991 | School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States; School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Zhang, C., School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Gursoy, D., School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Deng, Z., School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Gao, J., School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China | This study examines the impact of culture on landscape-name perceptions of tourists from China, United States, and Europe utilizing both Hofstede's and Hall's cultural typologies. Data for this study were collected from visitors to two national parks in China. Culture is found to have a significant impact on both sub-dimensions of understanding (legibility and coherence) and involvement (mystery and diversity). Findings suggest that tourists from different cultures are likely to interpret landscape names differently. Those from cultures with a high power distance and low individualism would prefer landscape names that are mystical, dreamy, fictive, ingenious, original, and poetic, while those from cultures with a lower power distance and high individualism would prefer names that simply describe the landscape. © 2014, © 2014 Taylor & Francis. | cultural difference; destination branding; destination image; high context vs. low context; landscape naming; landscape perceptions; landscape preferences | culture; landscape; perception; tourist destination; China; Europe; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863838354 | Population pharmacokinetic model for adherence evaluation using lamivudine concentration monitoring | Zhang C., Denti P., Van Der Walt J.-S., Ren Y., Smith P., Karlsson M.O., McIlleron H. | 2012 | Therapeutic Drug Monitoring | 34 | 4 | 10.1097/FTD.0b013e31825c6067 | Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Zhang, C., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Denti, P., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Van Der Walt, J.-S., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Ren, Y., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Smith, P., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; Karlsson, M.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; McIlleron, H., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa | BACKGROUND: Interpretation of antiretroviral drug concentration measurements could be aided by information about adherence to recent doses. We developed a population pharmacokinetic model of lamivudine in young children to propose reference lamivudine concentrations for evaluation of adherence to recent treatment doses. METHODS: The steady state pharmacokinetics of lamivudine were evaluated in 68 young HIV-infected children receiving antiretroviral treatment twice daily. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using NONMEM 7. RESULTS: A 2-compartment model with transit absorption best described lamivudine pharmacokinetics. After adjustment for maturation and body weight (using allometric scaling), the variability of clearance was small, hence simulations could accurately predict lamivudine concentrations. Higher lamivudine trough concentrations were detected before the morning dose, possibly owing to slower overnight clearance. Reference values for lamivudine concentrations that can be used to evaluate adherence to recent doses are proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Lamivudine concentration measurement can be used to assess recent treatment adherence. Copyright © 2012 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | lamivudine; NONMEM; population pharmacokinetics | lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; allometry; article; body weight; child; compartment model; drug absorption; drug blood level; drug clearance; drug monitoring; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; patient compliance; preschool child; priority journal; steady state; Absorption; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Area Under Curve; Child, Preschool; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Lamivudine; Models, Biological | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886911648 | Model-based evaluation of the pharmacokinetic differences between adults and children for lopinavir and ritonavir in combination with rifampicin | Zhang C., Denti P., Decloedt E.H., Ren Y., Karlsson M.O., Mcilleron H. | 2013 | British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology | 76 | 5 | 10.1111/bcp.12101 | Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden | Zhang, C., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Denti, P., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Decloedt, E.H., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Ren, Y., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Karlsson, M.O., Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Mcilleron, H., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Aims: Rifampicin profoundly reduces lopinavir concentrations. Doubled doses of lopinavir/ritonavir compensate for the effect of rifampicin in adults, but fail to provide adequate lopinavir concentrations in young children on rifampicin-based antituberculosis therapy. The objective of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model describing the pharmacokinetic differences of lopinavir and ritonavir, with and without rifampicin, between children and adults. Methods: An integrated population pharmacokinetic model developed in nonmem 7 was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir and ritonavir in 21 HIV infected adults, 39 HIV infected children and 35 HIV infected children with tuberculosis, who were established on lopinavir/ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy with and without rifampicin-containing antituberculosis therapy. Results: The bioavailability of lopinavir was reduced by 25% in adults whereas children on antituberculosis treatment experienced a 59% reduction, an effect that was moderated by the dose of ritonavir. Conversely, rifampicin increased oral clearance of both lopinavir and ritonavir to a lesser extent in children than in adults. Rifampicin therapy in administered doses increased CL of lopinavir by 58% in adults and 48% in children, and CL of ritonavir by 34% and 22% for adults and children, respectively. In children, the absorption half-life of lopinavir and the mean transit time of ritonavir were lengthened, compared with those in adults. Conclusions: The model characterized important differences between adults and children in the effect of rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir and ritonavir. As adult studies cannot reliably predict their magnitude in children, drug-drug interactions should be evaluated in paediatric patient populations. © 2013 The British Pharmacological Society. | Adults; Children; Lopinavir/ritonavir; nonmem; Population pharmacokinetics; Rifampicin | isoniazid; lopinavir; lopinavir plus ritonavir; rifampicin; ritonavir; adult; article; child; clinical evaluation; controlled study; drug absorption; drug bioavailability; drug blood level; drug clearance; drug dose reduction; drug effect; drug half life; drug interaction; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infant; major clinical study; male; multiple cycle treatment; outcome assessment; population model; preschool child; priority journal; school child; tuberculosis; adults; children; lopinavir/ritonavir; nonmem; population pharmacokinetics; rifampicin; Adult; Age Factors; Anti-HIV Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Biological Availability; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Drug Interactions; Female; Half-Life; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Lopinavir; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Nonlinear Dynamics; Rifampin; Ritonavir; Tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745076331 | Evaluation of linear mixed model case deletion diagnostic tools by monte carlo simulation | Zewotir T., Galpin J.S. | 2006 | Communications in Statistics: Simulation and Computation | 35 | 3 | 10.1080/03610910600716795 | School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Scottsville, South Africa; School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, South Africa; School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Zewotir, T., School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Scottsville, South Africa, School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Galpin, J.S., School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, South Africa | A large number of statistics have been proposed to study the influence of individual observations in the linear mixed model. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study is used to evaluate the appropriateness of these influence diagnostic measures. The sensitivity of the diagnostic measures to outliers and leverages is examined, and helpful results are obtained. | Case deletion; Influential observations; Leverages; Monte Carlo simulation; Outliers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859880383 | On employees' performance appraisal: The impact and treatment of the raters' effect | Zewotir T. | 2012 | South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | 15 | 1 | None | School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Zewotir, T., School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | By putting in place a performance appraisal scheme, employees who improve their work efficiency can then be rewarded, whereas corrective action can be taken against those who don't. The aim of this paper is to develop a technique that helps to measure the subjective effect that a given rater's assessment will have on the performance appraisal of a given employee, assuming that an assessment of one's work performance will have to be undertaken by a rater and that this rating is essentially a subjective one. In particular, a linear mixed modelling approach will be applied to data that comes from a South African company which has 214 employees and where an annual performance evaluation has been run. One of the main conclusions that will be drawn from this study, is that there is a very significant rater's effect that needs to be properly accounted for when rewarding employees. Without this adjustment being done, any incentive scheme, whether its motive is reward based or penalty based, will ultimately fail in its intended purpose of improving employees' overall performance. | Best linear unbiased predictor; Fixed effect; Mixed model; Model diagnostics; Performance appraisal; Raters' effect | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80051611450 | Conceptions and practices in teaching and learning: Implications for the evaluation of teaching quality | Zerihun Z., Beishuizen J., van Willem O.S. | 2011 | Quality in Higher Education | 17 | 2 | 10.1080/13538322.2011.582793 | Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Center for Educational Training, Assessment and Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Zerihun, Z., Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Beishuizen, J., Department of Psychology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; van Willem, O.S., Center for Educational Training, Assessment and Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands | This study was conducted in two public universities in Ethiopia to assess the impact of conceptions of teaching and learning on the evaluation of teaching quality. Students' and teachers' approaches to teaching and learning and their conceptions of the meaning of teaching have been examined. Results indicated that both teachers and students predominantly perceive teaching as transmitting knowledge and assessment as recall of factual knowledge. For the students, the mean values for teaching as transmitting knowledge and assessment as recall of facts were significantly correlated. The experiences and conceptions of both teachers and students reflect a teacher-focused approach to teaching and learning. The teaching evaluation questionnaire also reflects teacher performance as indicator of effectiveness. Improving the measure should be considered as a means of changing teachers' and students' conceptions of teaching and learning. © 2011 Taylor & Francis. | Feedback from students; Feedback to students; Higher education; Quality; Teaching and learning conceptions; Teaching evaluation | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960154650 | Fluoride in black and green tea (Camellia sinensis) infusions in Ethiopia: Measurement and safety evaluation | Zerabruk S., Chandravanshi B.S., Zewge F. | 2010 | Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Ethiopia | 24 | 3 | None | Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Zerabruk, S., Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Chandravanshi, B.S., Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zewge, F., Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The fluoride contents in the infusions of 21 commercially available Ethiopian and imported black and green tea brands; in leaf and bag forms was determined by a fluoride ion-selective electrode method. Of the samples analyzed twelve were products from Ethiopia and the remaining nine were imported tea brands. The effect of brewing time on fluoride release from tea was assessed. Results showed that fluoride release increased with increasing brewing time (3, 5 and 10 min). Fluoride level after 5 min brewing for black tea leaves, green tea bags, and black tea bags was in the range of 117-682 mg/kg, 111-190 mg/kg and 141-246 mg/kg, respectively. The WHO guideline for daily fluoride intake is 2 mg for children and 4 mg for adults. Assuming that one consumes 4 cups of tea everyday (400 mL) and each cup uses 2.5 g of tea leaves, the daily fluoride intake from black tea leaves may be in the range between 1.11 and 6.82 mg. For the same condition, if consumption of one green tea bag is considered, the fluoride intake can be in the range between 1.00 and 1.38 mg. Similarly, intake from the black tea bags may range from 0.86 to 1.81 mg. Considering the Ethiopian black tea alone, the daily fluoride intake may range from 2.48 to 6.82 mg. Thus according to the WHO recommendation for daily fluoride intake and ignoring other possible sources; the black and green tea bags and imported black tea leaves are safe for all age groups. None of the 10 Ethiopian black tea leaf brands are safe for children but 30% of the analyzed samples are safe for adults. © 2010 Chemical Society of Ethiopia. | Black tea infusion; Brewing time; Fluoride intake; Green tea infusion; Safety evaluation | None | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of four modelling techniques to predict the potential distribution of ticks using indigenous cattle infestations as calibration data | Zeman P., Lynen G. | 2006 | Experimental and Applied Acarology | 39 | 2 | 10.1007/s10493-006-9001-x | Medical Laboratories, Konevova 205, 130 00 Prague-3, Czech Republic; Veterinary Investigation Centre, 1068, Arusha, Tanzania | Zeman, P., Medical Laboratories, Konevova 205, 130 00 Prague-3, Czech Republic; Lynen, G., Veterinary Investigation Centre, 1068, Arusha, Tanzania | Efficient tick and tick-borne disease control is a major goal in the efforts to improve the livestock industry in developing countries. To gain a better understanding of the distribution and abundance of livestock ticks under changing environmental conditions, a country-wide field survey of tick infestations on indigenous cattle was recently carried out in Tanzania. This paper evaluates four models to generate tick predictive maps including areas between the localities that were surveyed. Four techniques were compared: (1) linear discriminant analysis, (2) quadratic discriminant analysis, (3) generalised regression analysis, and (4) the weights-of-evidence method. Inter-model comparison was accomplished with a data-set of adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks and a set of predictor variables covering monthly mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). The data-set of tick records was divided into two equal subsets one of which was utilised for model fitting and the other for evaluation, and vice versa, in two independent experiments. For each locality the probability of tick occurrence was predicted and compared with the proportion of infested animals observed in the field; overall predictive success was measured with mean squared difference (MSD). All models exhibited a relatively good performance in configurations with optimised sets of predictors. The linear discriminant model had the least predictive success (MSD≥0.210), whereas the accuracy increased in the quadratic discriminant (MSD≥0.197) and generalised regression models (MSD≥0.173). The best predictions were gained with the weights-of-evidence model (MSD≥0.141). Theoretical as well as practical aspects of all models were taken into account. In summary, the weights-of-evidence model was considered to be the best option for the purpose of predictive mapping of the risk of infestation of Tanzanian indigenous cattle. A detailed description of the implementation of this model is provided in an annex to this paper. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2006. | GIS; Rhipicephalus appendiculatus; Statistical prediction; Tanzanian indigenous cattle; Tick distribution maps; Weights of evidence | abundance; calibration; cattle; comparative study; discriminant analysis; disease control; distribution system; ecological modeling; environmental conditions; livestock farming; NDVI; regression analysis; tick; animal; animal disease; article; biological model; cattle; cattle disease; discriminant analysis; evaluation; parasitology; regression analysis; Rhipicephalus; statistical model; Tanzania; tick infestation; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Discriminant Analysis; Models, Biological; Models, Statistical; Regression Analysis; Rhipicephalus; Tanzania; Tick Infestations; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania; Acari; Animalia; Bos taurus; Ixodida; Rhipicephalus; Rhipicephalus appendiculatus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908032494 | Evaluation of the Effects of Reduced Personal and Corporate Tax Rates on the Growth Rates of the U.S. Economy | Zellner A., Ngoie J.K. | 2015 | Econometric Reviews | 34 | None | 10.1080/07474938.2014.944468 | Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Economics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Zellner, A., Booth School of Business, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Ngoie, J.K., Department of Economics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Using several variants of a Marshallian Macroeconomic Model (MMM), see Zellner and Israilevich (2005) and Ngoie and Zellner (2010), this paper investigates how various tax rate reductions may help stimulate the U.S. economy while not adversely affecting aggregate U.S. debt. Variants of our MMM that are shown to fit past data and to perform well in forecasting experiments are employed to evaluate the effects of alternative tax policies. Using quarterly data, our one-sector MMM has been able to predict the 2008 downturn and the 2009Q3 upturn of the U.S. economy. Among other results, this study, using transfer and impulse response functions associated with our MMM, finds that permanent 5 percentage points cut in the personal income and corporate profits tax rates will cause the U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate to rise by 3.0 percentage points with a standard error of 0.6 percentage points. Also, while this policy change leads to positive growth of the government sector, its share of total real GDP is slightly reduced. This is understandable since short run effects of tax cuts include the transfer of tax revenue from the government to the private sector. The private sector is allowed to manage a larger portion of its revenue, while government is forced to cut public spending on social programs with little growth enhancing effects. This broadens private economic activities overall. Further, these tax rate policy changes stimulate the growth of the federal tax base considerably, which helps to reduce annual budget deficits and the federal debt. © 2015, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Disaggregation; Impulse response functions; Marshallian macroeconomic model; Transfer functions; U.S. fiscal policy analysis | None | NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37349029400 | Environmental influences on pre-weaning growth performances and mortality rates of extensively managed Somali goats in Eastern Ethiopia | Zeleke Z.M. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 12 | None | Bahir Dar University, PO Box 1866, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Zeleke, Z.M., Bahir Dar University, PO Box 1866, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Records of 326 Somali goats born from 1994 to 2004 in eastern Ethiopia were used to assess effects of major environmental factors on growth and survival traits. Year of birth had significant effect (P<0.01) on birth weight, pre-weaning daily weight gain and weaning weight of kids. Male kids had higher (P<0.01) birth weight (3.35±0.18kg vs. 3.04±0.18kg), pre-weaning daily weight gain (61.60±7.06g vs. 55.87±7.15g) and weaning weight (12.27±0.89kg vs. 11.10±0.91kg) than female kids. Kids born from fifth parity dams had the least birth weight (2.98±0.23kg) and the highest pre-weaning mortality rate (33.33%) than those born from dams younger than fifth parity. Similarly, single born kids had heavier birth weight (3.17±0.06kg vs. 2.30± 0.20kg), higher pre-weaning daily weight gain (55.80±2.22g vs. 47.31±7.92g), higher weaning weight (11.47±0.28kg vs. 9.50±1.00kg) and less pre-weaning mortality rate (8.78 vs. 42.86%) than twin born kids. Similarly, mortality rate was found to be the highest (75%) in kids weighing <1.5kg. Improving feeding management for pregnant and lactating dams to assure moderate birth weight and adequate quantity of milk for twin born kids, and stringent culling practice of dams beyond fourth parity can be suggested to improve the productivity of Somali goats. | Birth type; Birth weight; Parity; Season; Sex; Weaning weight | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871690641 | Impact of timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation on survival of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions: A cohort analysis from South Africa | Zeier M.D., Nachega J.B., Van Der Merwe F.H., Eshun-Wilson I., Van Schalkwyk M., La Grange M., Mason D., Louw M., Botha M.H. | 2012 | International Journal of STD and AIDS | 23 | 12 | 10.1258/ijsa.2012.012040 | Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of International Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa | Zeier, M.D., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Nachega, J.B., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of International Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States; Van Der Merwe, F.H., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Eshun-Wilson, I., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Van Schalkwyk, M., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; La Grange, M., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Mason, D., Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases (CID), Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Louw, M., Department of Anatomical Pathology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Botha, M.H., Department of International Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa | To determine factors that influence excision treatment outcome and recurrence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) in women living with HIV infection, we analysed 1848 women who underwent excision treatment of cervical SIL at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. We compared treatment failure defined as presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I (presence of CIN I or higher at first follow-up after excision treatment) and post-excision recurrence of lesions (at one year or later) between women of HIV-positive, -negative or unknown status and examined factors associated with excision treatment outcome and recurrence. HIV-infected women experienced higher treatment failure than uninfected women (53.8% versus 26.9%, P < 0.001). At treatment failure, more HIV-infected women had low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) compared with uninfected women (64.9% versus 37.3%, P < 0.001). Treatment failure did not differ with the type of excision used in HIV-infected women. HIV-infected women were more likely to experience recurrence of lesions after excision treatment than uninfected women (hazard ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-2.39; P < 0.001). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiated before excision biopsy had a strong protective effect against recurrence (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.89; P = 0.006). Our data suggest that women with cervical SIL initiated on ART earlier may be expected to have better long-term excision treatment outcome. Close follow-up should be maintained after cervical excision treatment, especially in a setting of high HIV prevalence. © SAGE Publications Ltd, 2012. | AIDS; Antiretroviral treatment; CIN; Excision treatment outcome; HIV; HPV; Recurrence; SIL; Squamous intraepithelial lesions; Women | antiretrovirus agent; article; cancer grading; cancer recurrence; female; follow up; hazard ratio; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; priority journal; South Africa; survival; treatment failure; treatment outcome; uterine cervix carcinoma in situ; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Recurrence; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Statistics, Nonparametric; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960573679 | Performance of six commercial enzyme immunoassays and two alternative HIV-testing algorithms for the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in Kisumu, Western Kenya | Zeh C., Oyaro B., Vandenhoudt H., Amornkul P., Kasembeli A., Bondo P., Mwaengo D., Thomas T.K., Hart C., Laserson K.F., Ondoa P., Nkengasong J.N. | 2011 | Journal of Virological Methods | 176 | 02-Jan | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.05.021 | US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Global AIDS Program, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Poverty-related Communicable Diseases (CPCD), Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Netherlands | Zeh, C., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Oyaro, B., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Vandenhoudt, H., Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Amornkul, P., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Kasembeli, A., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Bondo, P., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Mwaengo, D., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Thomas, T.K., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya; Hart, C., Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States; Laserson, K.F., US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya, US-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ondoa, P., Center for Poverty-related Communicable Diseases (CPCD), Center for Infection and Immunity (CINIMA), Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Netherlands; Nkengasong, J.N., Global AIDS Program, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States | Performances of serological parallel and serial testing algorithms were analyzed using a combination of three ELISA and three rapid tests for the confirmation of HIV infection. Each was assessed individually for their sensitivity and specificity on a blinded panel of 769 retrospective sera of known HIV status. Western blot was used as a confirmatory assay for discordant results. Subsequently, one parallel and one serial testing algorithm were assessed on a new panel of 912 HIV-positive and negative samples. Individual evaluation of the ELISAs and rapid tests indicated a sensitivity of 100% for all assays except Uni-Gold with 99.7%. The specificities ranged from 99.1% to 99.4% for rapid assays and from 97.5% to 99.1% for ELISAs. A parallel and serial testing algorithms using Enzygnost and Vironostika, and Determine followed by Uni-Gold respectively, showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The cost for testing 912 samples was US$4.74 and US$ 1.9 per sample in parallel and serial testing respectively. Parallel or serial testing algorithm yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. This alternative algorithm is reliable and reduces the occurrence of both false negatives and positives. The serial testing algorithm was more cost effective for diagnosing HIV infections in this population. © 2011. | Algorithm; Alternative; Diagnosis; HIV-1; Immunoassay; Sensitivity; Specificity | antigen p24; glycoprotein gp 41; Human immunodeficiency virus antigen; immunoglobulin G antibody; immunoglobulin M antibody; recombinant protein; adolescent; adult; agglutination test; algorithm; analytical error; article; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cost control; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; false positive result; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immunoaffinity chromatography; intermethod comparison; Kenya; major clinical study; parallel testing algorithm; predictive value; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; serial testing algorithm; serodiagnosis; Western blotting; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Algorithms; Blotting, Western; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HIV-2; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Kenya; Predictive Value of Tests; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77951854168 | The impact of a 10-week physical activity intervention programme on selective metabolic syndrome markers in black adolescents | Zeelie A., Moss S.J., Kruger H.S., Van Rooyen J.M. | 2009 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 31 | 1 | None | School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | Zeelie, A., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Moss, S.J., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Kruger, H.S., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Van Rooyen, J.M., School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa | The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week physical activity (PA) intervention on selective metabolic syndrome markers in black adolescents. All available adolescents (194 subjects), boys and girls, in the grade 9 class (15-19 years) attending a secondary school were recruited for the experimental group. A control group consisting of 57 adolescents from grade 9 of another secondary school in the same area was also recruited. The experimental group participated in a 10-week PA intervention. Body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Windkessel arterial compliance (Cw), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and waist circumference were measured. After the 10-week PA intervention, adolescents from the control group had a significantly lower DBP compared to the intervention group (p=0.00005) and adolescents from the intervention group had a significantly lower SBP compared to the control group (p=0.000061). There was also a tendency towards a higher Cw and lower HOMA-IR in the intervention group compared to the control group. The findings of this study suggest that black adolescents had significantly lower SBP and a trend of lower HOMA-IR after a 10-week PA intervention. | Adolescents; Metabolic syndrome; Physical activity | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857867903 | Physiological response of broiler chickens to neem (Azadirachta indica) and akakapenpen (Rauvolfia vomitoria) decoctions: Performance and carcass characteristics | Zanu H.K., Kagya-Agyemang J.K., Kwenin W.K.J., Bonsu F.R.K., Antwi E., Ateni S. | 2011 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 10 | 9 | 10.3923/ijps.2011.730.733 | Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana | Zanu, H.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Kagya-Agyemang, J.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Kwenin, W.K.J., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Bonsu, F.R.K., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Antwi, E., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana; Ateni, S., Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, P.O. Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana | A 6-week feeding trial was conducted on One hundred and eighty (180) Cobb broilers to evaluate the effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) decoction (AID) and Akakapenpen (Rauvolfia vomitoria) decoction (RVD) on body weight gain, carcass and organ characteristics and haematological values of broiler chickens. The leaves of Azadirachta indica and Rauvolfia vomitoria were harvested and dried in the sun until they became crispy but still greenish in coloration. They were washed and then boiled (40 g of chopped leaves in 9L of water). The decoctions were placed in separate sterilized bottles ready for use and were offered ad libitum. The birds were randomly distributed to the treatments with twenty (20) birds per replicate, with each treatment replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The total replacement of antibiotics and coccidiostat resulted in non-significant depression (p<0.05) in final body weight and weight gain in experimental birds. However, feed intake was slightly affected (p<0.05) by administration of RVD to broilers. There was no significant effect of decoctions on water intake, feed conversion efficiency and mortality. Decoction had no significant influence on the dressing percentage, weights of crop (full), heart, proventriculus (full), intestines (full), feet and head. Decoction however, significantly affected gizzard (both full and empty), crop (empty), liver, kidney and proventriculus (empty). Liver and gizzard weights significantly increased with the inclusion of AID and RVD in water. Apart from WBC and Lymphocytes which were significantly influenced by decoction, the other blood parameters did not show any significant difference. This study suggests that AID and RVD replacement to antibiotics and coccidiostat may have beneficial effects on body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Total comparative profit derived from replacing antibiotics + coccidiostat with AID and RVD resulted in economic gains. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2011. | Azadirachta indica; Broiler chickens; Decoctions; Rauvolfia vomitoria | Aves; Azadirachta indica; Gallus gallus; Rauvolfia; Rauvolfia vomitoria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650304104 | Impact of tuberculosis cotreatment on viral suppression rates among HIV-positive children initiating HAART | Zanoni B.C., Phungula T., Zanoni H.M., France H., Feeney M.E. | 2011 | AIDS | 25 | 1 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32833f9e04 | Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Charlestown, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Sinikithemba Clinic and Philani Program, McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Zanoni, B.C., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Charlestown, United States, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States, Sinikithemba Clinic and Philani Program, McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Phungula, T., Sinikithemba Clinic and Philani Program, McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Zanoni, H.M., Sinikithemba Clinic and Philani Program, McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; France, H., Sinikithemba Clinic and Philani Program, McCord Hospital, Durban, South Africa; Feeney, M.E., Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Charlestown, United States, Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Objective: To evaluate the association between treatment of HIV-tuberculosis (TB) coinfection and primary virologic failure among children initiating antiretroviral therapy in South Africa. Design: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1029 children initiating antiretroviral therapy at two medical centers in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, a region of very high TB incidence. Methods: Data were extracted from electronic medical records and charts and the impact of TB cotreatment on viral suppression at 6 and 12 months was assessed using logistic regression. Results: The overall rate of virologic suppression (<400 HIV RNA copies/ml) was 85% at 6 months and 87% at 12 months. Children who received concurrent treatment for TB had a significantly lower rate of virologic suppression at 6 months (79 vs. 88%; P = 0.003). Those who received nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based HAART had similar rates of viral suppression regardless of whether they received concurrent TB therapy. In contrast, children who received protease inhibitor-based HAART had significantly lower viral suppression rates at both 6 and 12 months if treated concurrently for TB (P = 0.02 and 0.03). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age at initiation, protease inhibitor therapy, and TB coinfection were each independently associated with primary virologic failure. Conclusion: Concurrent treatment for TB is associated with lower rates of viral suppression among children receiving protease inhibitor-based HAART, but not among those receiving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based HAART. Guidelines for the care of young HIV-TB coinfected infants should be continually evaluated, as protease inhibitor-based antiviral therapy may not provide optimal viral suppression in this population. © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | children; HAART; HIV; resource-limited setting; tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; ethionamide; isoniazid; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; proteinase inhibitor; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; stavudine; virus RNA; article; child; cohort analysis; extrapulmonary tuberculosis; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; nonhuman; patient care; priority journal; recommended drug dose; retrospective study; South Africa; tuberculosis; tuberculous meningitis; virus inhibition; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Antitubercular Agents; Female; HIV Protease Inhibitors; HIV-1; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; RNA, Viral; South Africa; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Viral Load | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84942255924 | Impact of fibrinolytics on the outcome of empyema in South African children | Zampoli M., Kappos A., Verwey C., Mamathuba R., Zar H.J. | 2015 | South African Medical Journal | 105 | 7 | 10.7196/SAMJnew.7796 | Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Zampoli, M., Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Kappos, A., Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Verwey, C., Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Mamathuba, R., Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Zar, H.J., Division of Paediatric Pulmonology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Background. Childhood pneumonia is common in all countries, and empyema is one of the commonest complications. The role of routine intrapleural fibrinolytics in the management of childhood empyema is not well established in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. We did a prospective observational study of children sequentially hospitalised with empyema between December 2006 and December 2011 in South Africa (SA). Intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), administered according to a standard protocol, was introduced in September 2009. Outcomes in children treated with TPA after 2009 were compared with the historical cohort not treated with TPA who met the treatment criteria. Results. One hundred and forty-two children with empyema, median age 17 months (interquartile range 8 - 43), were admitted during the study period. Excluding children who did not have a chest tube inserted and those in whom fibrinolysis was contraindicated, there were 99 patients, 52 of whom received fibrinolytics. Clinical characteristics and empyema aetiology were similar in those who received fibrinolysis and those who did not. Eighteen children (38.3%) not treated with TPA required surgery v. 5 (9.6%) treated with TPA (relative risk 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.1 - 0.6). The median duration of hospitalisation was similar in both groups. Complications occurred rarely and with a similar incidence in both groups. In-hospital mortality was low, with two deaths in each group. Conclusion. Intrapleural TPA resulted in a four-fold reduction in surgery. Fibrinolytics should be used for management of empyema in children in SA. © 2015, South African Medical Association. All rights reserved. | None | cloxacillin; fibrinolytic agent; gentamicin; tissue plasminogen activator; fibrinolytic agent; tissue plasminogen activator; Article; child; empyema; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; HIV test; hospitalization; human; length of stay; major clinical study; male; mortality; observational study; preschool child; prospective study; chest tube; complication; devices; drug effects; Empyema, Pleural; fibrinolytic therapy; infant; isolation and purification; microbiology; pathophysiology; pleura cavity; pneumonia; procedures; South Africa; Staphylococcus aureus; treatment outcome; Chest Tubes; Child, Preschool; Empyema, Pleural; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Infant; Male; Pleural Cavity; Pneumonia; South Africa; Staphylococcus aureus; Thrombolytic Therapy; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950156137 | Evaluation and potential of cocoyam as carbohydrate source in catfish, (Clarias gariepinus [Burchell, 1822]) juvenile diets | Zaid A.A., Sogbesan O.A. | 2010 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 5 | 6 | None | Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria; Deparment of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Zaid, A.A., Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria; Sogbesan, O.A., Deparment of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | The cost of feeding fish is about 60% of the total recurrent cost of fish farming, hence a need for non-conventional and cheaper ingredients to substitute the expensive ones. Seventy five juvenile of Clarias gariepinus mean weight 9.86 g were randomly stocked at 5 juveniles per tank of dimension 40 × 56 × 31 cm and fed five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing graded levels of cocoyam at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% substituted for maize meal over a period of 70 days. The result of the experiment showed that diet 1 had the highest specific growth rate (SGR), 1.47%/day and diet 4 had the lowest of 0.89%/day. The best food conversion ratio (FCR), 1.81 was from diet 2 while the worst of 2.91 was from diet 4. Highest mean yield, net profit, benefit cost ratio and profit index of 26.58, 4.93, 1.23 and $16.11 respectively, were from diet 2 while the lowest of 22.91, 0.49, 1.02 and $9.47 were from diet 4. All indices considered were significantly different (p<0.05) between ≤50% cocoyam and ≥75% cocoyam treatments. The study showed that 25% replacement of cocoyam for maize is recommended for growth and economic benefit for sustainable aquaculture. © 2010 Academic Journals. | Clarias gariepinus; Cocoyam; Cost benefits; Feed utilization; Growth; Maize | Clarias gariepinus; Colocasia esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36448936420 | Evaluation of some factors affecting milk composition of indigenous goats in Nigeria | Zahraddeen D., Butswat I.S.R., Mbap S.T. | 2007 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 19 | 11 | None | Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | Zahraddeen, D., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Butswat, I.S.R., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Mbap, S.T., Animal Production Programme, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B.0248, Bauchi, Nigeria | This study was carried out at the Research Farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria (October 2003 - May 2006) to evaluate some factors (breed, season, stage of lactation and parity) affecting goat milk composition. The results showed that per cent crude protein, fat, lactose and total solid contents were significantly (P<0.05) affected by breed; with pH and ash contents differed non-significantly in the three breeds. The percentages of crude protein, fat and lactose contents were significantly (P<0.001) different in the four stages of lactation (colostrum, early, mid and late), while the differences in the total solid, pH and ash contents were not affected by the lactation stages. There were seasonal (P<0.001) variations in the per cent fat and lactose contents; with crude protein, total solid, pH and ash contents being not influenced by the two seasons (dry and wet). Similarly, fat and lactose contents showed significant (P<0.001) parity effects; with the crude protein, total solid, pH and ash values differed non-significantly in the three parities (first, second and third). It is therefore concluded that the goat milk composition studied is comparable to the levels obtained in improved goats reported elsewhere. It is therefore suggested that improvement in the goat milk composition of the local breeds can be made through improved management and cross-breeding with higher-yielding local or exotic goats. | Breed; Lactation stage; Parity; Season | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954552890 | Investigating the global impacts of the agulhas current | Zahn R., Lutjeharms J., Biastoch A., Hall I., Knorr G., Park W., Reason C. | 2010 | Eos | 91 | 12 | None | Institució Catalana de Recerca, Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Departament de Geología, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften (IFM-GEOMAR), Kiel, Germany; School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar-und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany; IFM-GEOMAR, Germany; Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Zahn, R., Institució Catalana de Recerca, Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Departament de Geología, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Lutjeharms, J., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Biastoch, A., Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften (IFM-GEOMAR), Kiel, Germany; Hall, I., School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Knorr, G., Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar-und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany; Park, W., IFM-GEOMAR, Germany; Reason, C., Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | climate variation; paleoceanography; western boundary current | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879254256 | Evaluation of complementary food Prepared from sorghum, African yam bean (sphenostylis stenocarpa) and mango mesocarp flour blends | Yusufu P.A., Egbunu F.A., Egwujeh S.I.D., Opega G.L., Adikwu M.O. | 2013 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 12 | 2 | None | Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria | Yusufu, P.A., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Egbunu, F.A., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Egwujeh, S.I.D., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Opega, G.L., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria; Adikwu, M.O., Department of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba, Nigeria | The use of Sorghum, African yam bean (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa) and Mango mesocarp (Mangifera indica) flour blends in the formulation of complementary food was studied. Traditional Weaning Food (TWF) obtained from 100% sorghum was used as the control sample. The sorghum, African yam bean and mango mesocarp flour were blended in the ratio of 5:3:2 respectively and used to formulate complementary food (SAM). The sample of complementary foods produced were subjected to chemical, functional and sensory properties analyses. The result of the chemical composition showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the protein and fat level of the formulated complementary food (8.9±1.09 to 17.4±1.19% and 1.5±0.11 to 3.50±0.31%, respectively. However, a significant p<0.65) decrease in the carbohydrate level (78±1.00 to 67.59±1.35) was observed vitamins A composition of formulated food was 3.54μg/mg. Functional properties evaluated showed no significant (p<0.05) difference in the bulk density but a high water absorption (70.6±3.3%), Emulsion (6.00±0.30%) capacities and reconstitution index (85±1.0%) were noticed. The sensory panelists rated the formulated complimentary food highly for taste, colour, flavour, texture and the overall acceptability. The formulated complementary food is a protein-rich product with good functional and sensory properties. Use of plant protein sources in local food formulations appeared to be vital in upgrading their nutritional, functional and sensory properties. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Chemical properties; Complementary food; Functional; Sensory | carbohydrate; retinol; vegetable oil; vegetable protein; African yam-bean; article; baby food; bulk density; complementary food; concentration (parameters); controlled study; emulsion; flour; food analysis; food color; food composition; food processing; food texture; mango; nonhuman; physical chemistry; sorghum; taste; water absorption; Mangifera indica; Sphenostylis stenocarpa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960161803 | The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in experimental animals | Yusuf O.S., Maxwell E.I. | 2011 | International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology | 6 | 2 | 10.1504/IJBET.2011.041124 | Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umu | Yusuf, O.S., Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria; Maxwell, E.I., Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study evaluated the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in-vivo using analgesic models viz. hot plate method in mice, tail flick or immersion method in rats and the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex model in mice. In all the models, Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) was used as the reference drug. In the hot plate and tail flick models, the oral administration of J. curcas extract at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and the reference drug ASA (400 mg/kg) showed potent analgesic effects by significantly (P < 0.001) increasing the Pain Reaction Time (PRT) dose dependently in mice and rats. Also the reference drug and the extract of J. curcas significantly (P < 0.0001) decreased the number of the abdominal Keywords: Jatropha curcas; hot plate; tail flick; writhing reflex; ASA; acetylsalicylic acid. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Yusuf, O.S. and Maxwell, E.I. (2011) 'The evaluation of the analgesic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Linn) in experimental animals', Int. J. Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp.200-207. Biographical notes: Omeh S. Yusuf is a Lecturer in Biochemistry and has BSc and MSc degrees, with specialisation in Medical/Plant Biochemistry. He is pursuing his PhD in Lipid Biochemistry, which is nearing completion. He is involved in research concerning medicinal plants. contortions in the acetic acid-induced writhing reflex in mice and increased the percentage protection in a dose dependent manner. In conclusion, this study indicates that the methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha curcas has significant analgesic properties and may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Acetylsalicylic acid; ASA; Hot plate; Jatropha curcas; Tail flick; Writhing reflex | Acetyl salicylic acid; ASA; Hot plates; Jatropha curcas; Tail flick; Writhing reflex; Acetic acid; Biochemistry; Biomedical engineering; Drug dosage; pH; Rats; Animals | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55849126193 | Effect of decorticated fermented prosopis seed meal (Prosopis africana) on growth performance of broiler chicken | Yusuf N.D., Ogah D.M., Hassan D.I., Musa M.M., Doma U.D. | 2008 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 7 | 11 | 10.3923/ijps.2008.1054.1057 | Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Yusuf, N.D., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Ogah, D.M., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Hassan, D.I., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Musa, M.M., Animal Science Department, College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 033, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Doma, U.D., Animal Production Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria | Two hundred and forty 7 days old Anak 2000 broiler chicks were used to determine the growth rate and economic of broiler fed decorticated fermented Prosopis africana seed meal (DFPSM). Five experimental diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% DFPSM replacement levels for full fat soybean meal were fed to broiler for 8 weeks. The experiments were in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments, each replicated four times with 48 birds per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. The average live weight of broiler ranged from 2500-2850g in each dietary group and were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary treatment, similarly the growth rate and feed conversion ratio were also significantly affected by the dietary treatment (P < 0.05). The study indicate that 20% inclusion of DFPSM with soybean meal could be used in a broiler diet. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2008. | Animal protein; Broiler diet; Developing countries; Fermented Prosopis africana seed meal | Animalia; Aves; Glycine max; Prosopis; Prosopis africana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76449105471 | Effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on secondary school students' performance in biology | Yusuf M.O., Afolabi A.O. | 2010 | Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology | 9 | 1 | None | Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Centre for Educational Technology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria | Yusuf, M.O., Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Afolabi, A.O., Centre for Educational Technology, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria | This study investigated the effects of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on secondary school students' performance in biology. Also, the influence of gender on the performance of students exposed to CAI in individualised or cooperative learning settings package was examined. The research was a quasi experimental involving a 3 x 2 factorial design. The sample for the study comprised 120 first year senior secondary school students (SSS I) sampled from three private secondary schools, in Oyo State, Nigeria. The students' pre-test and post test scores were subjected to Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings of the study showed that the performance of students exposed to CAI either individually or cooperatively were better than their counterparts exposed to the conventional classroom instruction. However, no significant difference existed in the performance of male and female students exposed to CAI in either individual or cooperative settings. Based on the research findings recommendations were made on the need to develop relevant CAI packages for teaching biology in Nigerian secondary schools. Copyright © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34748814296 | Evaluation of groundwater quality characteristics in Lagos-City | Yusuf K.A. | 2007 | Journal of Applied Sciences | 7 | 13 | None | Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University Ojo, P.M.B. 1087, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria | Yusuf, K.A., Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University Ojo, P.M.B. 1087, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria | Most of the water requirement for Lagos is met from surface and ground water supplies. Lagos an industrial and highly populated city located in the Southwest Nigeria has urban migration problems and resource limitations. However, as found in many cities, a certain proportion of the population is forced to rely on the well water as sources of drinking water, a poor drinking water quality that may have health consequences. A study was therefore carried out to gain an idea of the inorganic quality of the water in the wells penetrating the shallow (< 20 m thick) alluvial aquifer in the city. Results from this study revealed that some of the ground water quality constituents exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water irrespective of the sources of pollution: the total dissolved solids limit in 50%, the conductivity limit in 27.8%, the lead limit in 38.9%, the pH limit in 44.4% and the sodium and calcium limits in 11.1% of the samples. Thus, ground water from some of these wells requires further purification to ensure its fitness for human consumption. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Aquifer; Ground water; Water quality constituents; Wells | Conductivity limit; Ground-water qualities; Health consequences; Resource limitations; Surface and ground waters; Total dissolved solids; Water requirements; World Health Organization; Aquifers; Groundwater; Groundwater pollution; Health; Water quality; Water supply; Wells; Groundwater resources | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34948858900 | Evaluation of the three-stage BCR (European community bureau of reference) sequential extraction procedure to assess the potential mobility and toxicity of heavy metals in roadside soils | Yusuf K.A. | 2006 | Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research | 49 | 3 | None | Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, PMB 1087, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria | Yusuf, K.A., Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, PMB 1087, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria | The geochemical properties of roadside soils, specifically the association of metals with operationally defined solid fractions, were characterised. The new optimised four-step (acid extractable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual) sequential extraction procedure was applied to five roadside soils from an urban city, Lagos, Nigeria. Three elements were examined (Pb, Cu and Zn) in the < 250-μm fraction. Data so obtained indicated that more than 50% of the metals were associated with the residual fraction, reflecting lithogenic-pedogenic control. Zinc had one-sixth of its quantity in the most mobile and/or bioavailable fraction, which is susceptible to release into solution with the decrease in pH. The amount of lead associated with the reducible fraction was significant, while an appreciable amount of copper was associated with oxidizable fraction (19%). | Heavy metals; Metal mobility; Metal toxicity; Roadside soils; Sequential extraction | copper; lead; mobility; roadside environment; soil analysis; soil chemistry; toxicity; urban region; zinc; Africa; Lagos [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915749577 | Availability modelling and evaluation of a repairable system subject to minor deterioration under imperfect repairs | Yusuf I. | 2015 | International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research | 7 | 1 | 10.1504/IJMOR.2015.065955 | Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria | Yusuf, I., Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria | Many engineering systems are subjected to deterioration, meaning that during the course of time their conditions fall to failure levels. Such systems and their components are either repaired at failure or replaced before or after failure. However not every deterioration can bring about sudden failure of the system. Some deterioration can slightly reduce the strength of the system until at some point failure occurs. Such deterioration is said to be minor deterioration. This paper deals with the modelling and evaluation of availability of a system subjected to minor deterioration under imperfect repair. In this paper, we developed the explicit expression of system availability using probabilistic approach and determine the effect of failure, repair rate and number of states on system availability. The optimal availability level the system can attain is also determined. The results of this paper will enhance the system performance and useful for timely execution of proper maintenance improvement, decision, planning and optimisation. Copyright © 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Availability; Deterioration; Imperfect repair; Number of states | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957538919 | Enhancing students’ reading comprehension performance through think and search questions. A study of selected secondary schools in Kaduna, Nigeria | Yusuf H. | 2015 | Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology | 2015 | None | None | Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | Yusuf, H., Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria | This study focused on using “think and search” questions to enhance student’s performance in reading comprehension. A sample of sixty (60) senior secondary schools from Kaduna metropolis was used for the study. Quasi experimental research design was used for the study. Government Secondary School, Kigo Road was used as the experimental school, while Government Secondary School Ungwan Muazu was used as the control school. Senior secondary two (i.e SS2) students were used for the study. Thirty (30) students (intact class) from each of the schools were used for the study. Both groups were exposed to six (6) weeks of teaching. Prior to teaching, both groups were exposed to pretest to establish the homogeneity of the two groups of students. Both groups were assessed after six (6) weeks of teaching using reading comprehension test. T-test was used to test the hypothesis raised in the study. The findings revealed significant differences in the performance of students taught reading comprehension using “think and search” questions. Teachers are encouraged to enhance students’ performance in reading comprehension by engaging students in “think and search” questions during reading comprehension lessons. Curriculum planners and text book writers are equally encouraged to provide think and search questions for students before during and after every reading comprehension passage as a means of evaluating each reading task. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology. | Enhance student’s | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000296940900003 | Mentoring and its Impact on the Publication Output of Librarians in Selected Academic Libraries in South-West Nigeria | Yusuf, Felicia | 2011 | AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIBRARY ARCHIVES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE | 21 | 2 | None | Landmark Univ Lib | None | The paper examined the possible role of mentoring in explaining the publication output of librarians in selected academic libraries. The paper sought to find out the number of papers that the academic librarians published annually, whether they are required to publish the same number of papers for promotion to particular grades as required of mainstream academics in their universities, whether they had mentors, and their perceptions of the impact of mentoring on their publication output. Data were collected from 66 academic librarians in four purposively selected universities in South-West Nigeria. Mentoring was perceived by the librarians to have a positive impact on their publication output, and that the major constraints on their publication efforts were their routine jobs and inability to conceptualise research topics. The study recommends that upcoming academic librarians should have mentors and collaborate with their senior colleagues until they are able to acquire the necessary skills to conceptualise research and publish quality papers. They should also transfer some of their routine duties to para-professionals in their libraries in order to be able to concentrate more on research-related activities such as reading extensively other peoples' works. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646193106 | Planning and performance of small and medium enterprise operators in a country in transition | Yusuf A., Saffu K. | 2005 | Journal of Small Business Management | 43 | 4 | 10.1111/j.1540-627X.2005.00148.x | Corporate Planning and Development Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria; Department of Entrepreneurship, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ont., Canada | Yusuf, A., Corporate Planning and Development Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigeria; Saffu, K., Department of Entrepreneurship, Brock University, St. Catherines, Ont., Canada | This paper examines the relationship between planning and performance of small and medium enterprise operators in a country in economic transition. The literature on planning-performance relationship reports mixed findings. In a period of uncertainty, as exemplified by conditions of economic difficulties, one would expect firms to do more planning. On the contrary, our study shows that economic difficulties do not encourage firms to plan seriously. Our study also shows that firms that plan do not necessarily experience increased performance, with the exception of the manufacturing sector. Other findings of the study include a significant gender difference in the planning sophistication of small firms in Ghana, with firms managed or owned by males having sophisticated planning compared with female managed or female-owned businesses. Size did not moderate planning performance in our study. Planning affected performance equally in both large and small firms in our study. We found no difference among the planning clusters for education. Firms with the highest growth in sales had low-planning sophistication. This study contributes to our understanding and appreciation of situations in which planning does not necessarily add significant value to organizations (by way of increased performance). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889633821 | Planning practices, strategy types and firm performance in the Arabian Gulf region | Yusuf A., Saffu K. | 2009 | Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues | 2 | 3 | 10.1108/17537980910981778 | Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Abuja, Nigeria; Brock University, St Catherines, Canada | Yusuf, A., Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Abuja, Nigeria; Saffu, K., Brock University, St Catherines, Canada | Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate planning practices, strategy types, and the performance of indigenous firms in Bahrain and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach: Data are collected from cheif executive officers (CEOs) and top management of 95 local companies sampled from Chamber of Commerce and Industry databases in Bahrain and UAE using face-to-face interviews. Analysis of variance and univariate logistic regression are employed in analyzing the data. Findings: Although most of the firms are long-term planners, many of them do not have a planning process. Majority of the firms are Prospectors and Analyzers. Prospectors perform considerably better than all the other strategy types. Nevertheless, the firms that are included in this paper appear to be cautious and not aggressive in entering new markets or in taking the lead in introducing and marketing new products. Research limitations/implications: The paper suffers from selection bias by focusing on indigenous-owned companies. Also, the data originate from self-reported responses from business leaders and executives. The results do not establish causality. Finally, only broad demographic links are considered. Other individual and firm variables may influence performance in different ways than indicated here. Practical implications: Managers must pay heed to the usefulness of planning and ensure that their companies have a planning process in place. Given the performance of Prospectors, managers must adopt some prospector strategies. Experience and high level of education as essential ingredients to successful planning and performance require management consideration. Originality/value: The paper provides empirical support for Miles and Snow typology and corroborates the existing understanding that planning is beneficial to firms from an under-researched part of the world. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. | Bahrain; Business performance; Business planning; Corporate strategy; United Arab Emirates | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956083220 | Evaluation of the feeding potentials of Vitellaria paradoxa, Nauclea latifolia and Terminalia macroptera foliage as supplements to concentrate feed for grower rabbits | Yusuf A.M., Garba M.H., Olafadehan O.A. | 2010 | Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry | 9 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria | Yusuf, A.M., Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria; Garba, M.H., Department of Animal Production Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria; Olafadehan, O.A., Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria | The feeding potentials of Vitallaria paradoxa, Nauclea latifolia and Terminalia macroptera foliage as supplements to concentrate diets for grower rabbits were studied over a 13-week period. A total of 18 crossbred growing rabbits of equal sexes, aged between 6-8 weeks with an average weight of 515g were randomly allotted to the three dietary treatments consisting of three replicates of two rabbits each in a completely randomized design. Nauclea latifolia had the highest and least crude protein and crude fibre, respectively, which were intermediate in Vitallaria paradoxa but lowest and highest, respectively, in Terminalia macroptera. Organic matter was highest in Vitallaria paradoxa and lowest in Nauclea latifolia. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gains were best in Nauclea latifolia followed by Vitallaria paradoxa and least in Terminalia macroptera (all (P<0.05)). However, feed conversion ratio was similar (P>0.05) among the treatments. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Nauclea latifolia than in Vitallaria paradoxa and Terminalia macroptera. Average daily gain was significantly (R2 = 0.9998) influenced by ADFI and DMD. The forages have potentials to support growth of grower rabbits, with Nauclea latifolia forage having the best potential, followed by Vitallaria paradoxa and then Terminalia macroptera. | Feeding potential; Grower rabbit; Nauclea latifolia; Terminalia macroptera; Vitallaria paradoxum | Nauclea latifolia; Oryctolagus cuniculus; Terminalia; Terminalia macroptera; Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928411834 | Performance evaluation of rain attenuation models in a tropical station | Yussuff A.I.O., Khamis N.H.B.H., Yahya A. | 2014 | International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering | 4 | 5 | None | Department of Communications Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia; Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Lagos State University, Nigeria | Yussuff, A.I.O., Department of Communications Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Lagos State University, Nigeria; Khamis, N.H.B.H., Department of Communications Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia; Yahya, A., Department of Communications Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia | The non-uniformity of rainfall in both the horizontal and vertical directions makes the estimation of slant path attenuation complex. At frequencies above 10 GHz, the effects of attenuation and noise induced by rain are quite significant. One year satellite attenuation data were sourced from Malaysia East Asia Satellite at Ku frequency band; using ASTRO beacon signals to monitor and measure the slant path rain rate and attenuation at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai. Four years' one minute rain rate ground data at 0.01% of time exceeded were collected using rain gauge. The attenuation exceeded for other percentages of the time was obtained using statistical methods. Different rain attenuation prediction models were investigated and their performances compared. The validation results clearly suggested that the Breakpoint attenuation prediction model produced better results when compared with other models of interest. Copyright © 2014 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. | Attenuation predictions; Breakpoint attenuations; Convective rains; Specific attenuations; Stratiform rains | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-75649107822 | Good optical limiting performance of indium and gallium phthalocyanines in a solution and co-polymer host | Yüksek M., Elmali A., Durmu M., Gul Yaglioglu H., Nver H., Nyokong T. | 2010 | Journal of Optics A: Pure and Applied Optics | 12 | 1 | 10.1088/2040-8978/12/1/015208 | Department of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, 06100 Beevler, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Chemistry, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze, Kocaeli 41400, Turkey; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06100 Beevler, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Yüksek, M., Department of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, 06100 Beevler, Ankara, Turkey; Elmali, A., Department of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, 06100 Beevler, Ankara, Turkey; Durmu, M., Department of Chemistry, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze, Kocaeli 41400, Turkey; Gul Yaglioglu, H., Department of Engineering Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Ankara University, 06100 Beevler, Ankara, Turkey; Nver, H., Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 06100 Beevler, Ankara, Turkey; Nyokong, T., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The optical limiting characteristics of tetra-and octasubstituted gallium and indium phthalocyanine complexes have been studied by means of the open-aperture Z-scan technique with nanosecond pulses at 532nm. The nonlinear response demonstrated that all investigated compounds exhibited strong reverse saturable absorption for both solution and solid-state-based experiments. The results showed that the ratio of the excited to ground state absorption cross section κ and effective nonlinear absorption coefficient βeff are largely dependent on the linear absorption coefficient. All compounds in chloroform exhibited almost the same optical limiting performance at the same linear absorption coefficient. Pc/PMMA composite films display a much larger effective nonlinear absorption coefficient, lower ratio of the excited to ground state absorption cross section and lower saturation fluence for optical limiting when compared to the same Pc molecules in solution. All gallium and indium complexes of phthalocyanines are good candidates for optical limiting applications. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd. | Nonlinear absorption; Optical limiting; Phthalocyanine; Polymer film; Z-scan | Ground state absorption; Indium complexes; Linear absorption coefficient; Nanosecond pulse; Non-linear response; Nonlinear absorption coefficient; Nonlinear absorptions; Octasubstituted; Optical limiting; Optical limiting applications; Phthalocyanine complexes; Reverse saturable absorption; Saturation fluence; State-based; Z-scan technique; Composite films; Gallium; Ground state; Indium; Nitrogen compounds; Plastic films; Polymer films; Polymers; Absorption | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904390959 | Evaluation of standard magnetic resonance characteristics used to differentiate neoplastic, inflammatory, and vascular brain lesions in dogs | Young B.D., Fosgate G.T., Holmes S.P., Wolff C.A., Chen-Allen A.V., Kent M., Platt S.R., Savage M.Y., Schatzberg S.J., Levine J.M. | 2014 | Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound | 55 | 4 | 10.1111/vru.12137 | Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0002, South Africa; College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; North Houston Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX 77388, United States; Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, United States; Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States; Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States | Young, B.D., Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States; Fosgate, G.T., Department of Production Animal Studies, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0002, South Africa, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; Holmes, S.P., Department of Anatomy and Radiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; Wolff, C.A., North Houston Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX 77388, United States; Chen-Allen, A.V., Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, United States; Kent, M., Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; Platt, S.R., Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7382, United States; Savage, M.Y., Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States; Schatzberg, S.J., Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States; Levine, J.M., Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States | Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics are commonly used to help predict intracranial disease categories in dogs, however, few large studies have objectively evaluated these characteristics. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate MR characteristics that have been used to differentiate neoplastic, inflammatory, and vascular intracranial diseases in a large, multi-institutional population of dogs. Medical records from three veterinary teaching hospitals were searched over a 6-year period for dogs that had diagnostic quality brain MR scans and histologically confirmed intracranial disease. Three examiners who were unaware of histologic diagnosis independently evaluated 19 MR lesion characteristics totaling 57 possible responses. A total of 75 dogs with histologically confirmed intracranial disease were included in analyses: 51 with neoplasia, 18 with inflammatory disease, and six with cerebrovascular disease. Only strong contrast enhancement was more common in neoplasia than other disease categories. A multivariable statistical model suggested that extra-axial origin, T2-FLAIR mixed intensity, and defined lesion margins were also predictive of neoplasia. Meningeal enhancement, irregular lesion shape, and multifocal location distinguished inflammatory diseases from the other disease categories. No MR characteristics distinguished vascular lesions and these appeared most similar to neoplasia. These results differed from a previous report describing seven MR characteristics that were predictive of neoplasia in dogs and cats. Findings from the current study indicated that the high performance of MR for diagnosing canine intracranial diseases might be due to evaluator recognition of combinations of MR characteristics vs. relying on any one MR characteristic alone. © 2014 American College of Veterinary Radiology. | Brain; Dog; Inflammation; MR imaging; Neoplasia | contrast medium; animal; Brain Neoplasms; Cerebrovascular Disorders; diagnostic use; differential diagnosis; dog; Dog Diseases; encephalitis; female; male; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; retrospective study; veterinary; Animals; Brain Neoplasms; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Contrast Media; Diagnosis, Differential; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Encephalitis; Female; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Retrospective Studies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870751723 | Impact of the HIV infection on the evolution of tuberculosis among adult patient in Yaounde, Cameroon [Impact de l'infection à VIH sur l'évolution de la tuberculose de l'adulte à Yaoundé, Cameroun] | Yone É.W.P., Kuaban C., Kengne A.P. | 2012 | Revue de Pneumologie Clinique | 68 | 6 | 10.1016/j.pneumo.2012.10.001 | Département de médecine interne et spécialités, Faculté de médecine et des sciences biomédicales, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Service de pneumologie, Hôpital Jamot de Yaoundé, BP 4021, Yaoundé, Cameroon; South African Medical research Council, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Yone, É.W.P., Département de médecine interne et spécialités, Faculté de médecine et des sciences biomédicales, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Service de pneumologie, Hôpital Jamot de Yaoundé, BP 4021, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Kuaban, C., Département de médecine interne et spécialités, Faculté de médecine et des sciences biomédicales, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Service de pneumologie, Hôpital Jamot de Yaoundé, BP 4021, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Kengne, A.P., South African Medical research Council, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus infection are two major public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in all clinical forms of TB and investigate the effects of HIV status on the evolution of tuberculosis. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study relating to the 1647 adult's tuberculous patients, HIV status was known in 1419 cases which were followed-up at the diagnosis and treatment center for tuberculosis of the Yaounde Jamot Hospital in 2009. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was of 35% as a whole and 31.3%, 43.3% and 47.7% respectively for the smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis, smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Compared to HIV negative patients, HIV positive patients were older (36years versus 30years, P<0.0001) and included more women (57.1% versus 37.3%, P=0.001). The treatment success rate was 79% in HIV negative patients and 69% among HIV positive ones. The equivalent for mortality rate was respectively 1.9% and 10.5% (both P<0.001). In HIV positive patients, the death rate was 3.7% among those with CD4 above 200/mm3 and 13% among those with CD4 below 200/mm3 (P<0.02). Conclusions: The HIV infection is frequent among adult patients with tuberculosis in this setting, particularly among patients with smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis or extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It is associated with a high mortality rate especially on patient with severe immunodeficiency in spite of the antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis with the cotrimoxazole. © 2012. | Antituberculosis treatment; HIV infection; Outcome; Tuberculosis | antiretrovirus agent; CD4 antigen; cotrimoxazole; adult; age distribution; antibiotic prophylaxis; article; Cameroon; controlled study; disease association; disease severity; extrapulmonary tuberculosis; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune deficiency; infection prevention; lung tuberculosis; major clinical study; male; mortality; prevalence; retrospective study; sex difference; smear; tuberculosis; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Cameroon; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Tuberculosis; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874853623 | Comparative evaluation of the Rose Bengal plate test, standard tube agglutination test and complement fixation test for the diagnosis of human brucellosis | Yohannesw M., Gill J.P.S., Ghatak S., Singh D.K., Tolosa T. | 2012 | OIE Revue Scientifique et Technique | 31 | 3 | None | School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Veterinary Public Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, PIN 141004, Ludhiana, India; Division of Public Health, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 243 122, Izatanagar, India | Yohannesw, M., School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Gill, J.P.S., Department of Veterinary Public Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, PIN 141004, Ludhiana, India; Ghatak, S., Department of Veterinary Public Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, PIN 141004, Ludhiana, India; Singh, D.K., Division of Public Health, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 243 122, Izatanagar, India; Tolosa, T., School of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, PO. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | In this study, 241 serum samples from individuals exposed to brucellosis were subjected to the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT); the titre was estimated by standard tube agglutination test (STAT), with positive > 80 IU/ml. Randomly selected sera (n = 81) were analysed by complement fixation test (CFT): titre > 1:4 was considered positive. Of 241 sera subjected to RBPT and STAT, 177 were negative in both tests; 5 samples tested negative by RBPT but positive by STAT. None was positive by RBPT and negative by STAT. Of 81 sera subjected to CFT, 23 (28.4%) were positive. Both RBPT and CFT found 18 samples positive; 5 samples were positive by CFT and negative by RBPT. Comparison of STAT with CFT showed 13 samples positive by STAT but negative by CFT, and 4 positive by CFT but negative by STAT. The sensitivity and specificity of STAT were 82.6% and 77.6%, respectively, with CFT as gold standard. No test is perfect, and the clinical history coupled with a combination of two or more tests will reduce diagnostic errors. | Comparative evaluation; Complement fixation test; Human brucellosis; Rose Bengal plate test; Standard tube agglutination test | bacterium antibody; diagnostic agent; fluorescent dye; rose bengal; agglutination test; article; blood; Brucella; brucellosis; comparative study; complement fixation test; cross-sectional study; evaluation study; human; immunology; sensitivity and specificity; standard; Agglutination Tests; Antibodies, Bacterial; Brucella; Brucellosis; Complement Fixation Tests; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Rose Bengal; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857031403 | Long-term impact of the kenya postelection crisis on clinic attendance and medication adherence for HIV-infected children in Western Kenya | Yoder R.B., Nyandiko W.M., Vreeman R.C., Ayaya S.O., Gisore P.O., Braitstein P., Wiehe S.E. | 2012 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 59 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31823b4448 | Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States; USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Yoder, R.B., Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States; Nyandiko, W.M., USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Vreeman, R.C., Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States, USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Ayaya, S.O., USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Gisore, P.O., USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Braitstein, P., USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Wiehe, S.E., Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States, USAID-Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare Partnership, Eldoret, Kenya, Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Background: Kenya experienced a political and humanitarian crisis after presidential elections on December 27, 2007. We sought to describe both the immediate and long-term impact of this conflict for HIV-infected children in western Kenya. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of a cohort of these children for 3 periods: period 1, before the election (October 26, 2007, to December 25, 2007); period 2, immediately after the election (December 26, 2007, to April 15, 2008); and period 3, long-term postelection (April 16, 2008, to December 31, 2008). Two outcome variables of loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) were assessed: initial LTFU and complete LTFU. We assessed clinic adherence by evaluating the difference between actual visits and expected visits. Among children on antiretroviral therapy (ART), we assessed overall medication adherence and changes in medication adherence. Results: Two thousand five hundred forty-nine HIV-infected children ,14 years were seen in period 1. Children on ART had less initial LTFU (3.0% compared with 5.1%, P < 0.01) and less complete LTFU (2.6% compared with 6.8%, P < 0.001) than children not on ART. For children not on ART, clinic adherence improved in period 3 compared with period 2. For children on ART with a more strict measure of clinic adherence, clinic adherence declined over time. Orphans had better clinic adherence than nonorphans. Among children on ART, there were few demographic differences when comparing medication adherence between time. Conclusions: HIV-infected children are at risk for disruptions in clinic follow-up and medication adherence after a humanitarian crisis. Individual and contextual factors moderate the effects of these disruptions. Copyright © 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | HIV; Medication adherence; Pediatrics; Postcrisis | antiretrovirus agent; adolescent; article; child; child health care; female; follow up; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Kenya; long term care; major clinical study; male; patient compliance; politics; priority journal; retrospective study; treatment outcome; Adolescent; Anti-HIV Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Male; Medication Adherence; Patient Compliance; Politics; Retrospective Studies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449413684 | Effects of single and dual applications of selected trichoderma and bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean seedlings grown in composted pine bark growth medium under shadehouse conditions | Yobo K.S., Laing M.D., Hunter C.H. | 2009 | Journal of Plant Nutrition | 32 | 8 | 10.1080/01904160903005996 | Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Discipline of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Yobo, K.S., Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Laing, M.D., Discipline of Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Hunter, C.H., Discipline of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | A shadehouse pot trial was conducted to study the efficiency of single and dual inoculations with selected Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in composted pine bark (CPB) potting medium. All the plant treatments inoculated with Trichoderma spp. and/or Bacillus spp. had higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm values). Of the treatments, only B. subtilis B69 showed a significant increase (P = 0.02) in Fv/Fm values over the growth period. The Trichoderma and Bacillus treated plants showed increase in dry shoot biomass. The greatest degree of nodulation was observed in Trichoderma and/or Bacillus treated plants. Increase in nitrogen concentrations were observed in leaves of plants inoculated with Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates. Only T. atroviride SY3A significantly increased phosphorus concentrations in leaves. These results depict and highlight the role these organisms can play in plant root-plant growth promoting rhizobacteria or plant growth promoting fungi (PGPR/PGPF) interaction in a nutrient-poor growth medium. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. | Bacillus; Dry bean; Mineral uptake; Nodulation; Photosynthetic efficiency; Trichoderma | Bacillus subtilis; Fungi; Phaseolus vulgaris; Rhizobiales; Trichoderma; Trichoderma atroviride | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869748833 | Imidazopyridine-based inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase 3: Synthesis and evaluation of amide isostere replacements of the carboxamide scaffold | Yngve U., Söderman P., Svensson M., Rosqvist S., Arvidsson P.I. | 2012 | Chemistry and Biodiversity | 9 | 11 | 10.1002/cbdv.201200308 | Medicinal Chemistry IScience, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Neuroscience IScience, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Project Management, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden; School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | Yngve, U., Medicinal Chemistry IScience, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Söderman, P., Medicinal Chemistry IScience, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Svensson, M., Medicinal Chemistry IScience, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Rosqvist, S., Neuroscience IScience, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden; Arvidsson, P.I., Project Management, CNSP IMed, AstraZeneca RandD Södertälje, SE-151 85 Södertälje, Sweden, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa | In this study, we explored the effect of bioisostere replacement in a series of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) inhibitors based on the imidazopyridine core. The synthesis and biological evaluation of a number of novel sulfonamide, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, and thiazole derivates as amide bioisosteres, as well as a computational rationalization of the obtained results are reported. © 2012 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich. | 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles; Bioisosteres; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3); Imidazopyridine; Inhibitors; Sulfonamides; Thiazoles | 1,2,4 oxadiazole derivative; 2 [4 (morpholin 4 ylmethyl)phenyl] 7 [2 (piperidin 1 yl) 1,3 thiazol 4 yl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine hydrochloride; 2 [4 (morpholin 4 ylmethyl)phenyl] 7 [3 (propan 2 yl) 1,2,4 oxadiazol 5 yl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine hydrochloride; 2 [4 (morpholin 4 ylmethyl)phenyl] 7 [3 (pyridin 3 yl) 1,2,4 oxadiazol 5 yl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine hydrochloride; 3 [4[[2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridin 7 yl]sulfonyl]piperazin 1 yl]propanenitrile; 7 [2 (morpholin 4 yl) 1,3 thiazol 4 yl] 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine hydrochloride; 7 [2 (piperidin 1 yl) 1,3 thiazol 4 yl] 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine hydrochloride; 7 [3 (2 methoxyethyl) 1,2,4 oxadiazol 5 yl] 2 [4 (morpholin 4 ylmethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine hydrochloride; amide; glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor; imidazopyridine derivative; n (2 hydroxy 1 phenylethyl) 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine 7 sulfonamide hydrochloride; n (2 methoxyethyl) n methyl 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine 7 sulfonamide hydrochloride; n (3 methoxypropyl) 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine 7 sulfonamide hydrochloride; n [3 (1h imidazol 1 yl)propyl] 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine 7 sulfonamide hydrochloride; n cyclopentyl 2 [4 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 3h imidazo[4,5 b]pyridine 7 sulfonamide hydrochloride; thiazole derivative; unclassified drug; article; drug design; drug potency; drug screening; drug stability; drug structure; drug synthesis; drug transformation; human; human cell; Drug Design; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; Humans; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Oxadiazoles; Pyridines; Sulfonamides; Thiazoles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80155187752 | Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides root bark extracts | Ynalvez R.A., Cardenas C., Addo J.K., Adukpo G.E., Dadson B.A., Addo-Mensah A. | 2012 | Research Journal of Medicinal Plant | 6 | 2 | 10.3923/rjmp.2012.149.159 | Texas A and M International University, Laredo, TX 78041, United States; University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana | Ynalvez, R.A., Texas A and M International University, Laredo, TX 78041, United States; Cardenas, C., Texas A and M International University, Laredo, TX 78041, United States; Addo, J.K., University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Adukpo, G.E., University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Dadson, B.A., University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Addo-Mensah, A., Texas A and M International University, Laredo, TX 78041, United States | The development of resistance to antibiotics by infectious agents has been a continuous challenge. Thus, in this study, the aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, a potential plant source for novel antibiotics. Toward this end, dried powdered samples of the root barks of Z. zanthoxyloides were extracted successively to obtain Crude Petroleum Ether (CPE), Defatted Ethanol Ether (DEE) and Defatted Ethanol Chloroform (DEC) extracts. The antimicrobial activities indicated by the size of the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) of each extract at concentrations 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 μg μL -1 were evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli), methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) using disc diffusion method. Two sets of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were performed. The first set comprised separate ANOVAs for each microorganism because the positive controls were different for each microorganism, although the negative control (DMSO) was the same for all. The second set was a single combined ANOVA with all microorganisms included with their positive controls excluded. The first set of analysis showed that DEE had significantly (p<0.001) higher antimicrobial activity than DMSO, CPE, or DEC. No significant interaction between extract and concentration was detected. The second set indicated a significant (p<0.01) interaction effect between extract and microorganism. Although no significant differences in ZOI were observed for microorganisms exposed to DMSO, CPE and DEC; one particular microorganism VREF was found to be the most susceptible to DEE. In addition, findings of this study show the potential of Z. zanthoxyloides as a source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc. | Antimicrobial; Extracts; Methicillin; Vancomycin; Zanthoxylum | alcohol; antiinfective agent; chloramphenicol; chloroform; kanamycin; linezolid; novobiocin; penicillin G; petroleum ether; plant extract; streptomycin; unclassified drug; Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides extract; antibacterial activity; article; bark; concentration response; controlled study; disk diffusion; Enterococcus faecium; Escherichia coli; medicinal plant; methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection; methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus; nonhuman; solvent extraction; Soxhlet extraction; vancomycin resistant Enterococcus; zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides; Enterococcus faecium; Escherichia coli; methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus aureus; Zanthoxylum; Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82955168328 | Evaluation of soil expansion index from routinely determined geotechnical parameters | Yitagesu F.A., Van DerMeer F., Van DerWerff H., Seged H. | 2011 | Soil Science Society of America Journal | 75 | 5 | 10.2136/sssaj2010.0420 | Faculty of Geo-information Science, Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, 99 Hengelosestraat, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands; Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), P.O. Box 7129, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa Univ. (AAU), Faculty of Technology, Dep. of Civil Engineering, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Yitagesu, F.A., Faculty of Geo-information Science, Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, 99 Hengelosestraat, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands, Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA), P.O. Box 7129, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Van DerMeer, F., Faculty of Geo-information Science, Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, 99 Hengelosestraat, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands; Van DerWerff, H., Faculty of Geo-information Science, Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, 99 Hengelosestraat, 7500AA Enschede, Netherlands; Seged, H., Addis Ababa Univ. (AAU), Faculty of Technology, Dep. of Civil Engineering, P.O. Box 385, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Correlations are essential to obtain information on soil geotechnical parameters, which are costly and time consuming to measure directly, such as expansion potential. A common procedure for evaluating and rating soil expansion potential is the expansion index (EI) test. The purpose in this study was to establish a multivariate regression model to predict soil EI, thereby classify and rate soil expansiveness. Soil samples were collected from the newly planned expressway connecting the city of Addis Ababa with the town of Nazret in Ethiopia. A regression equation was established from liquid limit (LL), plasticity index (PI), and soil fine fraction (percentage of material passing the ASTM 0.075-mm sieve aperture), using a partial least squares (PLS) multivariate calibration method. A coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.92 accompanied with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 9.87, standard error of performance (SEP) of 9.91, offset of 5.31 and bias of 0.04 was obtained. Response surface models showing three-way relationships among the predictors (Atterberg limits and fine fraction) and response variable (EI) may serve as classification systems for evaluating soil expansion potential. Apart from its basic scientific value as a simple method for estimating and rating soil expansiveness, the approach has the advantage of employing easily and routinely determined soil properties, to get information on soil expansion potential at minimal cost and time requirements. © Soil Science Society of America. | None | A-coefficient; Atterberg limits; Classification system; Ethiopia; Expansion index; Fine fraction; Geotechnical parameters; Liquid limits; Minimal cost; Multivariate calibration methods; Multivariate regression models; Partial least squares; Plasticity indices; Regression equation; Response surface models; Root-mean-square error of predictions; Scientific values; SIMPLE method; Soil property; Soil sample; Standard errors; Time requirements; Expansion; Least squares approximations; Mean square error; Regression analysis; Soil testing; Soils; Geologic models; calibration; correlation; expansion; geotechnical mapping; liquid limit; multivariate analysis; rating curve; regression analysis; Addis Ababa; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874675805 | Evaluation of nutritive value of leaves of tropical tanniferous trees and shrubs | Yisehak K., Janssens G.P.J. | 2013 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 25 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | Yisehak, K., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P. O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Janssens, G.P.J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | This study was conducted to compare the nutritive value of indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTS) and assess the relationship between farmers' IFTS preference, the perception of their characteristics, and analyzed nutritional value at two distinct altitudes within the same area (high altitude and low altitude). Results were based on laboratory analyses of plant samples and a diagnostic survey of randomly selected 360 livestock farmers. Fifty IFTS were identified and examined for proximate and fibre components, in vitro digestibility, digestible nutrients, energy and condensed tannins (CT). Farmers scored the identified IFTS on a scale of 1 to 4 on nutritive value, growth rate, biomass, compatibility and multifunctionality. Nutritive value ranged widely among IFTS from 66 to 242 g CP/kg dry matter (DM), 185 to 502 g neutral detergent fibre (NDF)/kg DM, 0.1 to 228 g CT/kg DM, 478 to 745 g total carbohydrate (CHO)/kg DM, 332 to 963 g total digestible nutrients (TDN)/kg DM and 5 to 15 MJ ME/kg DM. Trees showed higher CP contents than shrubs though CHO was higher for shrubs, especially at high altitude (P<0.05). Farmers' scores for nutritive value were positively correlated with CP content of IFTS (r = 0.36; P<0.05). Even though the association was negative for CHO content (P<0.01; r = -0.32), these scores were higher at high altitude (P<0.05). A negative relationship was observed between CT and TA, CP, DMD, OMD, ME and TDN (P<0.05). It was concluded that although variation within shrubs and within trees was high - CP was higher in trees than in shrubs and lower CHO in trees than shrubs, therefore warranting further research in the added value for ranging ruminants' nutritional status of providing fodder tree material instead of only access to pasture and shrubs. Farmers' perception of nutritive value of IFTS was partly associated with protein content, but other unidentified factors were contributing to their preference. Geographical differences exert shifts in the perceived and analyzed nutritive value of IFTS, thus care should be taken when developing recommendations for the use of IFTS in an entire region. | Fodder trees and shrubs; In vitro digestibility; Nutritive value; Tannin; Total digestible nutrients | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899993796 | The effect of supplementing leaves of four tannin-rich plant species with polyethylene glycol on digestibility and zootechnical performance of zebu bulls (Bos indicus) | Yisehak K., De Boever J.L., Janssens G.P.J. | 2014 | Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition | 98 | 3 | 10.1111/jpn.12068 | Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg, Melle, Belgium | Yisehak, K., Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia, Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; De Boever, J.L., Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Animal Sciences Unit, Scheldeweg, Melle, Belgium; Janssens, G.P.J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium | The effect of supplementing leaves of four tannin-rich plant species with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) on nutrient intake and digestibility as well as on weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and N retention of zebu bulls (Bos indicus) was studied. Leaves of Albizia gummifera, Grewia ferruginea, Prunus africana and Syzygium guineense, containing, respectively, 85, 55, 76 and 172 g condensed tannins (CT) per kg dry matter (DM), were combined with natural pasture hay in a ratio of 40:60 on DM basis. The four diets were fed both without and with addition of PEG, at a dose of 40 g per kg DM, to eight zebu bulls during trials of 25 days in an 8 × 8 randomized crossover design. Supplementation with PEG increased nutrient intake, digestibility, FCR, N retention and average daily gain (p < 0.01). A diet × PEG interaction was observed for nutrient intake as well as for crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility (p < 0.05), but the effect size of PEG addition could not be attributed to the CT content as such, and also digestibility without PEG was not related to CT content of the diets. The reason why the efficacy of PEG addition did not relate to the CT content pointed the need to evaluate other factors that can help to predict the efficacy of PEG, for example, tannin type or interaction with other nutrients. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH. | Digestibility; N retention; Nutrient intake; Polyethylene glycol; Tannin; Zebu cattle | macrogol derivative; tannin derivative; analysis; animal; animal food; animal food; Bovinae; chemistry; controlled study; crossover procedure; diet; diet supplementation; digestion; drug effects; male; metabolism; physiology; plant leaf; randomized controlled trial; veterinary; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Cross-Over Studies; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Digestion; Male; Plant Leaves; Polyethylene Glycols; Tannins | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883514870 | Impact of soil erosion associated factors on available feed resources for free-ranging cattle at three altitude regions: Measurements and perceptions | Yisehak K., Belay D., Taye T., Janssens G.P.J. | 2013 | Journal of Arid Environments | 98 | None | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2013.07.012 | College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heide Straat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | Yisehak, K., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Belay, D., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Taye, T., College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Janssens, G.P.J., Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heide Straat 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium | The study was conducted to assess the status and trends of soil erosion and relate the perceptions of farmers on cattle productivity and botanical indicators to measured ecological conditions of rangelands in three altitude regions of southwest Ethiopia. A total of 342 farmers were interviewed. In addition, the ecological condition of rangelands was assessed. Severe soil erosion, ranked as the primary restriction to free-ranging livestock, occurred predominantly in the lower altitude region (LAR) (. P<0.05). More farmers in LAR witnessed an inadequacy of palatable plant biomass, grazable pasture as well as increased gully formation and expansion, which are strong indicators of soil erosion (. P<0.001). In addition to a decrease in grass cover and productivity of cattle, botanical composition, species richness and grazing capacity of herbaceous plants, less fodder trees and shrubs were observed (. P<0.05). There was a corresponding increase in the percentage of bare ground and soil erosion status along the degradation gradients (. P<0.05). The reported shift in botanical composition, and especially encroachment of invading plant species, can be attributed to soil erosion (. P<0.001). The results suggest that erosion is associated with reduced availability of feed resources and is related to altitude variation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Botanical composition; Cattle; Feed resources; Gilgel Gibe; Overgrazing; Soil erosion | altitude; biomass; cattle; community dynamics; farmers attitude; food availability; nature-society relations; overgrazing; palatability; pasture; perception; productivity; rangeland; soil erosion; Ethiopia; Gilgel Gibe River | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958070455 | Evaluation of nutritive value of albizia gummifera foliages as fodder source for livestock in agrisilvipastoral system | Yisehak K., Belay D. | 2011 | International Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 5 | 10.3923/ijar.2011.389.399 | Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | Yisehak, K., Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia; Belay, D., Department of Animal Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia | The study was conducted to assess nutritional quality of Albizia gummifera (J.F. Gmel) C.A.Sm., a multipurpose tree indigenous to Ethiopia, influenced to altitude and season at hot humid tropical climatic condition. SAS version 9.1 was used for data analysis. Albizia gummifera leaf was examined for their chemical components, in vitro organic matter digestibility, digestible nutrients and dietary energy values. On DM basis, analytical results ranged between 108 to 308gCPkg-\ 367 to 396 gNDF kg 1, 283 to 313 g ADF kg 1, 68 to 72 g CT kg 1 DM, 379.8 to 430 g IVDMD kg 1, 492.5 to 683.5 g CHO kg 1, 6.1 to 6.9 MJ ME kg 1, 9.4 to 28.3 g DCP kg 1 7.02 to 8.2 g DE kg 1 and 400.4 to 460.3 g TDN kg 1. Effects of altitudes and seasons had showed a wide significant variation among many nutritive value parameters studied (p<0.05). Significantly higher CP, IVDMD and DCP contents were recorded for the higher altitude region and wet season (p<0.05). A negative correlation was observed between CT and CP, IVDMD energy values and TDN. The altitude-seas on interaction had a significant effect on most of the parameters (p<0.01). The nutrient concentrations already suggest that A. gummifera have a clear potential for being used as sustainable feed resources in wide locations on top of seasons that can maintain normal rumen microbial metabolism and to supply the quantities and balances of nutrients for different productive states in the tropics. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc. | Condensed tannin; Digestible nutrients; Fodder tree; In vitro dm digestibility; Nutritive value | Albizia gummifera; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877978898 | Effect of graded levels of toasted pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp] seed meal diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) | Yisa A.G., Yakubu B., Edache J.A., Danjuma M.N., Deme H.I. | 2013 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 12 | 2 | None | National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria | Yisa, A.G., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Yakubu, B., Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria; Edache, J.A., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Danjuma, M.N., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Deme, H.I., National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B. 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | A five week study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of toasted pigeon pea on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Japanese quail chicks. In a completely randomized design, three hundred unsexed, seven day old Japanese quails used for the study were divided into four groups of seventy five birds each. Each group was divided into three replicates of twenty five birds. Four isonitrogenous (24%CP) diets incorporating graded levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of toasted pigeon pea were evaluated. Average daily feed intake (18.62, 19.68, 19.58 and 20.29 g), Feed conversion ratio (4.87, 5.13, 5.36 and 5.38) and feed cost (Naira) per bird (38.34, 40.86, 41.46 and 43.57) increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of dietary toasted pigeon pea inclusion. However, average daily weight gain (3.82, 3.83, 3.65 and 3.77 g) and dressing percentages (59.53, 61.91, 58.89 and 61.92) and percentage of breast to live weight were statistically similar (p>0.05) for all the treatments respectively. The back, wings, thighs and drumsticks were affected (p<0.05) by levels of toasted pigeon pea inclusion. By this study, pigeon pea may be included in diets of Japanese quails by not more than 10% for optimum growth and cost effective feeding. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Carcass characteristics; Growth performance; Japanese quails; Toasted pigeon pea | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877987870 | Growth performance and carcass yield of broiler finishers fed diets having partially or wholly withdrawn fish meal | Yisa A.G., Edache J.A., Udokainyang A.D., Iloama C.N. | 2013 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 12 | 2 | None | Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | Yisa, A.G., Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Edache, J.A., Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Udokainyang, A.D., Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria; Iloama, C.N., Department of Animal Production, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria | A four-week study was conducted to investigate the effect of partially or completely withdrawing fish meal from broiler finisher diets on growth performance and carcass yield. In a completely randomized design, ninety six (96) four-week-old Marshall Breed of broilers were allotted to four dietary treatments having 0, 50, 75 and 100% of their fishmeal content withdrawn. Each dietary treatment had 24 birds with 3 replicates of 8 birds. Results show that initial weights, final weights, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogram gain were not negatively affected (P>0.05) by levels of fish meal withdrawal. Dressing percentages were also not significantly different (P>0.05) between treatment means. However, the percent carcass cut-up parts of breast, wings, thighs and drumsticks to live weight of birds fed diets with fish meal totally withdrawn were significantly less (P<0.05) than those of birds fed diets containing fish meal. From this study, it can be concluded that withdrawing fish meal from broiler finisher diets may not have any adverse effect on their growth performance provided protein is obtained from non-animal sources. However, total withdrawal of fish meal negatively affects optimum development of the cut-up parts and as such 0.5-1% fish meal may be included in broiler finisher diets for full development of carcass components. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2013. | Carcass yield; Fish meal; Growth performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897500506 | Urban cities and waste generation in developing countries: A GIS evaluation of two cities in Burkina Faso | Yiougo L.S.A., Oyedotun T.D.T., Some C.Y.C., Da E.C.D. | 2013 | Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering | 7 | 2 | 10.4090/juee.2013.v7n2.280285 | International Institute for Water and Environment Engineering, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Geography, Univ | Yiougo, L.S.A., International Institute for Water and Environment Engineering, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Oyedotun, T.D.T., Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria; Some, C.Y.C., International Institute for Water and Environment Engineering, 01 BP 594, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Da, E.C.D., Department of Geography, University of Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Cities in developing countries are faced waste management challenges in terms of quantity and quality. Most of the time, solid and liquid wastes are dumped on street and open spaces. Uncontrolled waste dumped has led to diverse kind of health problems. The purpose of this article is to characterize urban cities and evaluate their waste generation using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The focus is on two cities in Burkina Faso. Specific variables which were considered during the survey include urban fabric, grey water outlets and household garbage dumps sites/techniques. The study shows that in the two cities, the most dominant urban fabric is low standard of living (about 64% of housing in Fada and 62% of housing in Pouytenga). The urban fabric is also characterized by the existence of empty spaces. Overall, the average density of grey water discharge points is 0.85 points and 5.7 points per ha of street in Fada N'Gourma and Pouytenga respectively. The average density of solid waste dumps is 1.45 waste dumps per ha street and 7 waste dumps per ha street in Fada N'Gourma and Pouytenga respectively. In case of urgent waste management intervention, the priority areas for speedy intervention are area 10 in Fada N'Gourma, areas 2 and 5 in Pouytenga. GIS applied to waste management can be a decision making tool for urban planners in developing country. © 2013 Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering (JUEE). All rights reserved. | Developing countries; Discharges; Fada N'Gourma; GIS; Pouytenga; Wastes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931572586 | Laboratory evaluation of three dual rapid diagnostic tests for HIV and syphilis in China and Nigeria | Yin Y.-P., Ngige E., Anyaike C., Ijaodola G., Oyelade T.A., Vaz R.G., Newman L.M., Chen X.-S. | 2015 | International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics | 130 | S1 | 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.04.004 | National Center for STD Control, Institute of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, China; National AIDS and STIs Control Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; World Health Organization, Abuja, Nigeria | Yin, Y.-P., National Center for STD Control, Institute of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, China; Ngige, E., National AIDS and STIs Control Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Anyaike, C., National AIDS and STIs Control Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Ijaodola, G., National AIDS and STIs Control Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria; Oyelade, T.A., World Health Organization, Abuja, Nigeria; Vaz, R.G., World Health Organization, Abuja, Nigeria; Newman, L.M., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Chen, X.-S., National Center for STD Control, Institute of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, China | Abstract Objective To determine the laboratory-based performance and operational characteristics of three dual rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for testing HIV and syphilis. Methods Three dual RDTs (SD Bioline, Chembio, and MedMira) were evaluated using 1514 serum specimens archived at laboratories or collected from clinics in China and Nigeria to determine sensitivity and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals. Concordance of testing results read by two technicians, stability of testing results read at two time points, and test operation characteristics were also assessed. Results All three of the evaluated RDTs gave excellent performance with a combined sensitivity ranging from 99.0%-99.6% for HIV and 98.3%-99.0% for syphilis, and a combined specificity ranging from 97.9%-99.0% for HIV and 97.2%-99.6% for syphilis. Concordance of testing results between two technicians and stability of testing results read within and one hour past the recommended reading period showed excellent agreement, with Kappa greater than or equal to 0.98. Conclusions All the tests were found to be very or fairly easy to use and easy to interpret the results. Further evaluations of these dual RDTs with whole blood in field settings, and more studies on the implication of introduction of these tests in HIV and syphilis control programs are needed. © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | HIV; Rapid tests; Sensitivity; Specificity; Syphilis | Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; Article; China; diagnostic test accuracy study; evaluation study; HIV rapid test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; laboratory; Nigeria; performance; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; syphilis; syphilis rapid test | World Health Organization; UNFPA, World Health Organization; WHO, World Health Organization |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856730758 | Effects of supplementing Erythrina brucei leaf as a substitute for cotton seed meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Sidama goats fed basal diet of natural grass hay | Yinnesu A., Nurfeta A. | 2012 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 44 | 3 | 10.1007/s11250-011-9916-z | Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Yinnesu, A., Dilla Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College, P.O. Box 334, Dilla, Ethiopia; Nurfeta, A., Department of Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 222, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The replacement value of dried Erythrina brucei leaf for cotton seed meal (CSM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated. Twenty-five yearling buck goats (15.8 ± 1.4 kg) were assigned into five treatments in a randomized complete block design: natural grass hay alone (T1) or supplemented with 100% CSM (T2), 67% CSM + 33% E. brucei (T3), 33% CSM + 67% E. brucei (T4), and 100% E. brucei (T5) on dry matter (DM) basis. Supplemented goats consumed more (P < 0.05) total DM and organic matter (OM) than the non-supplemented group, but the intakes were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the proportion of the supplements. The highest (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) intake was observed in goats supplemented with CSM alone, whereas the lowest intake was observed in the non-supplemented group. Total CP intake decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of E. brucei in the supplement mixture. The supplemented goats gained more (P < 0.05) weight than the control group. Apparent DM and OM digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in supplemented goats than in the non-supplemented ones, but similar (P > 0.05) among the supplemented group. The digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented goats, except in those goats fed E. brucei alone, than the non-supplemented group. Slaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, rib eye muscle area, and total edible offals were higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented goats than for the non-supplemented ones. It could be concluded that E. brucei could be used as a substitute to CSM under smallholder production systems. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Carcass characteristics; Cotton seed meal; Erythrina brucei; Feed intake; Goats; Growth performance | cotton seed oil; animal; animal food; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diet supplementation; dose response; Erythrina; goat; growth, development and aging; male; meat; metabolism; nutritional value; physiology; plant leaf; randomization; randomized controlled trial; standard; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cottonseed Oil; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrina; Goats; Male; Meat; Nutritive Value; Plant Leaves; Random Allocation; Capra hircus; Erythrina brucei; Gossypium hirsutum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867679067 | Fecal progestin extraction and analysis for non-invasive monitoring of ovarian cycle in beef cows | Yimer N., Rosnina Y., Wahid H., Bukar M.M., Malik A., Yap K.C., Fahmi M., Ganesamurthi P., Saharee A.A. | 2012 | Pakistan Veterinary Journal | 32 | 4 | None | Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia | Yimer, N., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, 196 Gondar, Ethiopia; Rosnina, Y., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Wahid, H., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Bukar, M.M., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Malik, A., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Yap, K.C., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Fahmi, M., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Ganesamurthi, P., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia; Saharee, A.A., Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia | The aims of the present study were to determine presence of immunoreactive progestins in feces, correlate fecal progestins with plasma progesterone (P 4) concentrations and subsequently assess the role of fecal progestins in monitoring estrous cycle in Kedah Kelantan (KK) beef cows. A total of 12 cycling cows were subjected to blood and matched fecal sampling twice a week for 9 weeks. The concentrations of plasma P 4 and fecal progestins extracted using a modified technique, were determined by a P 4 radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit. There was a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of fecal progestins and plasma P 4 (r = 0.6, P<0.01), as tested for the whole group except one animal. High performance liquid chromatographic separation of fecal extracts and subsequent radioimmunoassay revealed presence of four immunoreactive progestins against the P 4 antibodies. These results imply that the non-invasive measure of fecal progestins using a DSL-3900 RIA kit can be used to monitor the ovarian activity in beef cows. © 2012 PVJ. | Feces; Kedah Kelantan cows; Ovarian cycle; Plasma; Progesterone; Progestin | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84951266195 | Evaluation performance of diagnostic methods of intestinal parasitosis in school age children in Ethiopia | Yimer M., Hailu T., Mulu W., Abera B. | 2015 | BMC Research Notes | 8 | 1 | 10.1186/s13104-015-1822-4 | Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Yimer, M., Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Hailu, T., Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Mulu, W., Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Abera, B., Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Background: Although the sensitivity of Wet mount technique is questionable, it is the major diagnostic technique for routine diagnosis of intestinal parasitosis in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was the evaluation performance of diagnostic methods of intestinal parasitosis in school age children in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from May to June 2013. Single stool sample was processed for direct, Formol ether concentration (FEC) and Kato Katz methods. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of diagnostic tests were calculated in terms of the "Gold" standard method (the combined result of the three methods altogether). Results: A total of 422 school age children were participated in this study. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high (74.6 %) with Kato Katz technique. The sensitivity of Wet mount, FEC and Kato Katz tests against the Gold standard test was 48.9, 63.1 and 93.7 %, respectively. Kato Katz technique revealed a better NPV 80.4 (80.1-80.6) as compared to the Wet mount (33.7 %) and FEC techniques (41.3 %). Conclusion: In this study, the Kato Katz technique outperformed the other two methods but the true values for sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic values are not known. Moreover, it is labor intensive and not easily accessible. Hence, it is preferable to use FEC technique to complement the Wet mount test. © 2015 Yimer et al. | Ethiopia; FEC; Kato Katz; NPV; Sensitivity; Wet mount | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899424490 | Evaluation of patterns of liver toxicity in patients on antiretroviral and anti-tuberculosis drugs: A prospective four arm observational study in Ethiopian patients | Yimer G., Gry M., Amogne W., Makonnen E., Habtewold A., Petros Z., Aderaye G., Schuppe-Koistinen I., Lindquist L., Aklillu E. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 4 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0094271 | Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge C1:68, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; AstraZeneca R and D, Global Safety Assessment, Molecular Toxicology, Södertälje, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; AstraZeneca Innovative Medicines Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge I:73, Stockholm, Sweden | Yimer, G., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge C1:68, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gry, M., AstraZeneca R and D, Global Safety Assessment, Molecular Toxicology, Södertälje, Sweden; Amogne, W., Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge I:73, Stockholm, Sweden; Makonnen, E., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Habtewold, A., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge C1:68, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Petros, Z., Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Aderaye, G., Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Schuppe-Koistinen, I., AstraZeneca Innovative Medicines Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden; Lindquist, L., Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge I:73, Stockholm, Sweden; Aklillu, E., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge C1:68, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden | Objectives: To evaluate the incidence, type, severity and predictors of antiretroviral and/or anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver injury (DILI). Methods: A total of 1,060 treatment naive patients were prospectively enrolled into four treatment groups: HIV patients receiving efavirenz based HAART alone (Arm-1); TB-HIV co-infected patients with CD4≤200 cells/μL, receiving concomitant rifampicin based anti-TB and efavirenz based HAART (Arm-2); TB-HIV co-infected patients with CD4>200 cells/μL, receiving anti-TB alone (Arm-3); TB patients taking rifampicin based anti-TB alone (Arm-4). Liver enzyme levels were monitored at baseline, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th and 24th weeks during treatment. CD4 and HIV viral load was measured at baseline, 24th and 48th weeks. Data were analyzed using multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards Model. Results: A total of 159 patients (15%) developed DILI with severity grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 53.5%, 32.7%, 11.3% and 2.5% respectively. The incidence of cholestatic, hepatocellular or mixed pattern was 61%, 15% and 24%, respectively. Incidence of DILI was highest in Arm-2 (24.2%)>Arm-3 (10.8%)>Arm-1 (8.8%)>Arm-4 (2.9%). Concomitant anti-TB-HIV therapy increased the risk of DILI by 10-fold than anti-TB alone (p<0.0001). HIV co-infection increased the risk of anti-TB DILI by 4-fold (p = 0.004). HAART associated DILI was 3-fold higher than anti-TB alone, (p = 0.02). HAART was associated with cholestatic and grade 1 DILI whereas anti-TB therapy was associated with hepatocellular and grade ≥ 2. Treatment type, lower CD4, platelet, hemoglobin, higher serum AST and direct bilirubin levels at baseline were significant DILI predictors. There was no effect of DILI on immunologic recovery or virologic suppression rate of HAART. Conclusion: HAART associated DILI is mainly cholestatic and mild whereas hepatocellular or mixed pattern with high severity grade is more common in anti-tuberculosis DILI. TB-HIV co-infection, disease severity and concomitant treatment exacerbates the risk of DILI. © 2014 Yimer et al. | None | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; antiretrovirus agent; aspartate aminotransferase; cotrimoxazole; creatinine; efavirenz; ethambutol; hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis C antibody; isoniazid; lamivudine; liver enzyme; pyrazinamide; rifampicin; stavudine; tenofovir; tuberculostatic agent; zidovudine; antiretrovirus agent; tuberculostatic agent; adult; alanine aminotransferase blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; CD4 lymphocyte count; cholestatic hepatitis; clinical evaluation; comorbidity; controlled study; disease classification; disease course; disease exacerbation; disease severity; Ethiopia; female; hemoglobin blood level; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; liver cell damage; major clinical study; male; mixed infection; observational study; prospective study; thrombocyte count; toxic hepatitis; treatment duration; tuberculosis; virus load; complication; Drug-Induced Liver Injury; HIV Infections; Kaplan Meier method; prognosis; severity of illness index; treatment outcome; young adult; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Antitubercular Agents; Drug-Induced Liver Injury; Ethiopia; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939634484 | Health risk and insurance: Impact of ethiopia's community based health insurance on household economic welfare | Yilma Z., Mebratie A., Sparrow R., Dekker M., Alemu G., Bedi A.S. | 2015 | World Bank Economic Review | 29 | None | 10.1093/wber/lhv009 | International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands; Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Australia; African Studies Centre, Leiden University, Netherlands; Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, School of Foreign Service-Qatar, Georgetown University, Netherlands | Yilma, Z., International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands; Mebratie, A., International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands; Sparrow, R., Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Australia; Dekker, M., African Studies Centre, Leiden University, Netherlands; Alemu, G., Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Bedi, A.S., International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, School of Foreign Service-Qatar, Georgetown University, Netherlands | In 2011, in an attempt to increase access to health care and reduce household vulnerability to out-of-pocket health expenditure, the Government of Ethiopia launched a Community- Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHI). This paper uses three rounds of household survey data, collected before and after the introduction of the CBHI pilot, to assess the impact of the scheme on household consumption, income, indebtedness, and livestock holdings.We find that enrollment leads to a 5 percentage point-or 13%-decline in the probability of borrowing and is associated with an increase in household income. There is no evidence that enrolling in the scheme affects consumption or livestock holdings. Our results show that the scheme reduces reliance on potentially harmful coping responses such as borrowing. This paper adds to the relatively small body of work that rigorously evaluates the impact of CBHI schemes on economic welfare. © The Author 2015. | None | health care; health insurance; health risk; household income; welfare economics; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646706087 | Milk production level and calf-rearing system affecting Boran, Ethiopian zebu cattle breed, cow-calf performance | Yilma Z., Gojjam Y., Shumye M. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 5 | None | Dairy Technology, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia | Yilma, Z., Dairy Technology, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia; Gojjam, Y., Dairy Technology, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia; Shumye, M., Dairy Technology, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, Holetta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 31, Holetta, Ethiopia | Milk yield, reproductive performance, dry matter intake, milk composition and calf growth were studied for Boran (Ethiopian zebu breed) cows under different milk production levels and calf rearing methods. 39 Boran cows in their 2 nd and 3 rd parities were used for the study in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with main factors being suckling (partial suckling Vs non-suckling) and milk yield (low- and high-yielding). Suckling has resulted in increased total milk yield as compared to non-suckling in both milk yield groups: 793 Vs 369 kg for low-yielders and 1142 Vs 819 kg for high-yielders. Suckling and high-yielding cows consumed 0.6 kg and 0.8 kg more concentrate and total dry matter daily than non-suckling and low-yielding cows, respectively. Non-suckling and high-yielding cows produced 52 kg and 31 kg, respectively more hand-milked milk monthly (P<0.05) than suckling and low yielding cows. Although partial suckling resulted in reduced fat percentage in milk obtained through hand milking, total milk yield was increased. Partial suckling, however, prolonged calving to first heat, days open and cycling compared with non-suckling. Suckling also resulted in higher (P<0.01) average daily weight gain to weaning. Smallholder dairy enterprises in Ethiopia that are based on local cows need to consider the importance of suckling for increased productivity of the farm particularly in terms of milk yield and calf growth rate. As suckling resulted in increased milk yield, this practice should be accompanied by improved feeding. Further studies are needed in this line to address the economic implications of such practice. The need for similar studies under different production systems is also imperative to determine and implement the most appropriate strategy to improve overall life time productivity of local cows that include reproduction traits, milk production, calf growth and survival with suckling practices. | Boran; Feed intake; Growth; Milk production; Partial-suckling; Reproduction | Bos indicus; Bos taurus | 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-s2.0-69249096975 | Study on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle under smallholder conditions in and around Zeway, Ethiopia | Yifat D., Kelay B., Bekana M., Lobago F., Gustafsson H., Kindahl H. | 2009 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 21 | 6 | None | Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7039, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden | Yifat, D., Hawassa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Kelay, B., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Bekana, M., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lobago, F., Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Gustafsson, H., Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7039, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden; Kindahl, H., Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, Box 7039, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden | A study was conducted to assess the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in urban and rural smallholder dairy farms in Zeway Ethiopia and its surrounding. A total of 287 (141 rural and 146 urban) smallholder dairy farms that owned 2-5 crossbred dairy cows were visited and reproductive performance of 503 (244 rural and 259 urban) crossbred dairy cows were studied. The overall mean values (n=503) for age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), gestation length (GL) and number of services per conception (NSPC) were 32.1 months, 412 days, 135 days, 278 days and 1.67, respectively. The mean values of CI and DO were significantly shorter in the urban than in the rural area. Parity number significantly influenced DO and NSPC. While, season of previous calving had significant effect on CI, DO and NSPC of smallholder crossbred dairy cows. In general, the smallholder crossbred dairy cows in the urban area had better reproductive performance than in the rural area. The overall observed reproductive performance of smallholder crossbred dairy cattle in this study was good. Thus, the ongoing activities to improve and expand crossbred dairy cattle production at smallholder level in the region should be encouraged. | Calving interval; Gestation; Holstein; Urban; Zebu | Bos; Bos indicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47249129999 | Hydrochemical evaluation of the Voltaian system-The Afram Plains area, Ghana | Yidana S.M., Ophori D., Banoeng-Yakubo B. | 2008 | Journal of Environmental Management | 88 | 4 | 10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.03.037 | Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, NJ 07043, United States; Department of Geology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana | Yidana, S.M., Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, NJ 07043, United States; Ophori, D., Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, NJ 07043, United States; Banoeng-Yakubo, B., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 58, Legon, Ghana | Inverse geochemical modeling from PHREEQC, and multivariate statistical methods were jointly used to define the genetic origin of chemical parameters of groundwater from the Voltaian aquifers in the Afram Plains area. The study finds, from hierarchical cluster analysis that there are two main hydrochemical facies namely the calcium-sodium-chloride-bicarbonate waters and the magnesium-potassium-sulfate-nitrate waters in the northern and southern sections, respectively, of the Afram Plains area. This facies differentiation is confirmed by the distribution of the SO42-/Cl- ratio, which associates groundwater from the northern and southern sections to areas influenced by contact with evaporites and seawater, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation using the Kaiser criterion identifies four principal sources of variation in the hydrochemistry. Mineral saturation indices calculated from both major ions and trace elements, indicate saturation-supersaturation with respect to calcite, aragonite, k-mica, chlorite, rhodochrosite, kaolinite, sepiolite, and talc, and undersaturation with respect to albite, anorthite, and gypsum in the area. Inverse geochemical modeling along groundwater flowpaths indicates the dissolution of albite, anorthite and gypsum and the precipitation of kaolinite, k-mica, talc, and quartz. Both the PCA and inverse geochemical modeling identify the incongruent weathering of feldspars as the principal factors controlling the hydrochemistry in the Afram Plains area. General phase transfer equations have been developed to characterize the geochemical evolution of groundwater in the area. A very good relationship has been established between calcite and aragonite saturation indices in the Afram Plains area, with R2=1.00. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Afram plains; Hierarchical cluster analysis; Inverse modeling; PHREEQC; Principal component analysis | aluminum silicate; bicarbonate; calcium; calcium carbonate; calcium sulfate; chloride; ground water; magnesium; magnesium trisilicate; mineral; nitrate; potassium; sea water; silicon dioxide; sodium; sulfate; talc; trace element; aquifer; aragonite; bicarbonate; calcite; calcium; chloride; cluster analysis; feldspar; geochemistry; groundwater; hydrochemistry; magnesium; modeling; multivariate analysis; nitrate; potassium; principal component analysis; sodium; sulfate; article; calculation; evolution; geochemistry; Ghana; hydrology; model; multivariate analysis; precipitation; principal component analysis; Cluster Analysis; Ghana; Models, Theoretical; Multivariate Analysis; Water; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41749084182 | Groundwater quality evaluation for productive uses - The afram plains area, Ghana | Yidana S.M., Ophori D., Banoeng-Yakubo B. | 2008 | Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering | 134 | 2 | 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9437(2008)134:2(222) | Dept. of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State Univ., Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Dept. of Geology, Univ. of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Yidana, S.M., Dept. of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State Univ., Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Ophori, D., Dept. of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State Univ., Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Banoeng-Yakubo, B., Dept. of Geology, Univ. of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Groundwater is the most widely used water resource in the Afram Plains area, Ghana. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of fluoride, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and salinity (EC) in groundwater from the different aquifers in the Afram Plains area. The distribution of these parameters would enable a determination of the quality of groundwater from the different aquifer units for use in households and irrigation purposes. The inverse distance weighting, interpolator with a power of 2 was applied to 143 data points of each parameter to generate prediction maps for fluoride, SAR, and EC in the area. The distribution maps from this study show that the shale aquifers that underlie the southwestern sections of the area have the highest levels of fluoride, SAR, and EC. A narrow strip of the shale aquifer in the southwestern region produces groundwater whose fluoride level (2.2 mg/L) is higher than the World Health Organization minimum allowable fluoride concentration of 1.5 mg/L in drinking water. The feldsparthic sandstone, arkose, siltstone, and mudstone aquifers in the northeastern sections of the area produce groundwater with fluoride concentration in the range of 0.0-0.3 mg/L, which fall outside the minimum range of 0.7-1.2 mg/L required in drinking water for normal bone and dental health. The highest SAR and EC are also associated with the shale aquifers to the southwestern section of the area. Using the World Food and Agriculture Organization's guidelines for irrigation water quality, it was determined that groundwater from the Afram Plains area will generally have a mild to moderate effect on the hydraulic properties of soils when used as irrigation water. © 2008 ASCE. | Adsorption; Developing Countries; Electrical conductivity; Fluoridation; Ghana; Potable water; Sodium | Adsorption; Aquifers; Electric conductivity; Fluorine compounds; Irrigation; Potable water; Salinity measurement; Sodium; Groundwater quality; Sodium adsoprtion ratio; Water quality; Adsorption; Aquifers; Electric conductivity; Fluorine compounds; Irrigation; Potable water; Salinity measurement; Sodium; Water quality; adsorption; aquifer; developing world; drinking water; electrical conductivity; fluoride; groundwater resource; irrigation; salinity; sodium; water quality; Africa; Ghana; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891698724 | Simulation of groundwater flow in a crystalline rock aquifer system in Southern Ghana - An evaluation of the effects of increased groundwater abstraction on the aquifers using a transient groundwater flow model | Yidana S.M., Alfa B., Banoeng-Yakubo B., Obeng Addai M. | 2014 | Hydrological Processes | 28 | 3 | 10.1002/hyp.9644 | Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Ghana Water Resources Commission, Accra, Ghana | Yidana, S.M., Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Alfa, B., Ghana Water Resources Commission, Accra, Ghana; Banoeng-Yakubo, B., Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Obeng Addai, M., Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana | Monitored groundwater level data, well logs, and aquifer data as well as the relevant surface hydrological data were used to conceptualise the hydrogeological system of the Densu Basin in Southern Ghana. The objective was to numerically derive the hydraulic conductivity field for better characterization of the aquifer system and for simulating the effects of increasing groundwater abstraction on the aquifer system in the basin. The hydraulic conductivity field has been generated in this study through model calibration. This study finds that hydraulic conductivity ranges between a low of 2m/d in the middle sections of the basin and about 40m/d in the south. Clear differences in the underlying geology have been indicated in the distribution of aquifer hydraulic conductivities. This is in consonance with the general assertion that the hydrogeological properties of the aquifers in the crystalline basement terrains are controlled by the degree of fracturing and/or weathering of the country rock. The transient model suggest aquifer specific storage values to range between 6.0×10-5m-1 and 2.1×10-4m-1 which are within acceptable range of values normally quoted for similar lithologies in the literature. There is an apparent subtle decrease in groundwater recharge from about 13% of the annual precipitation in 2005 to about 10.3% of the precipitation in 2008. The transient model was used to simulate responses of the system to annual increment of groundwater abstraction by 20% at the 2008 recharge rates for the period 2009 - 2024. The results suggest that the system will not be able to sustain this level of abstraction as it would lead to a basin wide drawdown in the hydraulic head by 4m by the end of the prediction period. It further suggests a safe annual increment in groundwater abstraction by 5% under business as usual recharge conditions. Identification and protection of groundwater recharge areas in the basin are recommended in order to safeguard the integrity of the resource under the scenario of increased abstraction for commercial activities in the basin. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Densu Basin; Groundwater abstraction; Hydraulic conductivity; Recharge | Densu Basin; Ground water recharge; Groundwater abstraction; Hydrogeological properties; Level of abstraction; Protection of groundwater; Recharge; Transient groundwater flow; Abstracting; Aquifers; Computer simulation; Crystalline rocks; Digital storage; Groundwater flow; Groundwater resources; Hydraulic conductivity; Hydrogeology; Weathering; Well logging; Recharging (underground waters); aquifer; computer simulation; country rock; crystalline rock; groundwater abstraction; groundwater flow; hydraulic conductivity; hydraulic head; hydrogeology; lithology; precipitation (climatology); recharge; terrain; water level; well logging; Densu Basin; Ghana | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-39749093887 | Evaluation on potential of wild hosts as trap plants for managing gramineous stemborers in maize based-agroecosystem | Yewhalaw D., Getu E., Seyoum E. | 2008 | Journal of Economic Entomology | 101 | 1 | 10.1603/0022-0493(2008)101[50:EOPOWH]2.0.CO;2 | Department of Biology, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Yewhalaw, D., Department of Biology, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia; Getu, E., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Seyoum, E., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | As part of habitat management system to control cereal stemborers, various wild hosts used as trap plants were studied during the dry season from November 2003 to March 2004 at Melkassa, central Ethiopia. Five wild hosts of the family Poaceae [Pennisetum purpurum (Schumach), Sorghum vulgare variety sudanense (Pers.), Panicum coloratura L., Sorghum arundi-naceum Stapf, and Hyperrhania rufa (Nees)] were evaluated as trap plants in maize, Zea mays L.,-based agroecosystem. The results of the study showed that maize plots surrounded by all tested wild hosts had significantly lower mean percentage of foliage damage and stemborer density than maize monocrop plots 15 m away from the treatment blocks. Interestingly, mean foliar damage and stemborer density between maize plots surrounded by wild hosts and maize monocrop plots within the treatment blocks was not significant. Percentage of tunneled stalks was significantly greater in maize monocrop plots 15 m away from the treatment blocks than in maize plots surrounded by all tested wild host plant species. Moreover, the highest mean percentage of parasitism (62%) of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) by Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) was recorded in maize plots surrounded by P. purpureum. Therefore, the findings revealed that these wild hosts have considerable merit to be used as trap plants in the development of strategies for managing cereal stemborers in maize crops. © 2008 Entomological Society of America. | Cotesia flavipes; Maize; Stemborer; Trap plants; Wild hosts | animal; article; biological pest control; crop; ecosystem; Ethiopia; evaluation; growth, development and aging; Hymenoptera; Lepidoptera; maize; parasitology; physiology; Poaceae; population density; population dynamics; randomization; season; Animals; Crops, Agricultural; Ecosystem; Ethiopia; Hymenoptera; Lepidoptera; Pest Control, Biological; Poaceae; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Random Allocation; Seasons; Zea mays; Chilo partellus; Cotesia flavipes; Panicum; Pennisetum; Pennisetum glaucum; Pennisetum purpureum; Poaceae; Sorghum bicolor; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876694087 | Large herbivores favour species diversity but have mixed impacts on phylogenetic community structure in an African savanna ecosystem | Yessoufou K., Davies T.J., Maurin O., Kuzmina M., Schaefer H., van der Bank M., Savolainen V. | 2013 | Journal of Ecology | 101 | 3 | 10.1111/1365-2745.12059 | African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, QC, Canada; Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Biodiversitaet der Pflanzen, Maximus-von-Imhof Forum 2, Freising, 85354, Germany; Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, TW9 3DS, United Kingdom | Yessoufou, K., African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Davies, T.J., Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, Montreal, QC, Canada; Maurin, O., African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kuzmina, M., Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada; Schaefer, H., Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Biodiversitaet der Pflanzen, Maximus-von-Imhof Forum 2, Freising, 85354, Germany; van der Bank, M., African Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, APK Campus 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Savolainen, V., Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, TW9 3DS, United Kingdom | There has been much debate on the impact of large herbivores on biodiversity, especially given that large mammals are becoming locally extinct in many places. The use of evolutionary information on community structure has typically been limited to evaluating assembly processes, for example, competition or habitat filtering, whereas a lack of long-term experiments has precluded the test of predictions considering more complex biotic interactions. Reconstructing the complete phylogeny of the trees and shrubs of the Kruger National Park from DNA data, we tested for phylogenetic signal in antiherbivory traits and compared the phylogenetic structure of communities under various degrees of herbivore pressure using experimental plots spanning several decades. We show that all antiherbivory traits examined demonstrated weak but significant phylogenetic signal, and that exclusion of large herbivores results in impoverished species diversity in restructured communities. Surprisingly, we also show that reduction in species diversity coupled with community reorganization does not necessarily result in a decrease in phylogenetic diversity, and that community responses to herbivore exclusion depend on initial structure. Synthesis. Extinction of large mammal herbivores will have cascading effects on plant diversity; however, impacts on plant community structure are contingent on initial conditions. This research has implications for best practice when managing large herbivores and natural habitats. Extinction of large mammal herbivores will have cascading effects on plant diversity; however, impacts on plant community structure are contingent on initial conditions. This research has implications for best practice when managing large herbivores and natural habitats. © 2013 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2013 British Ecological Society. | Determinants of plant community diversity and structure; Extinction; Functional diversity; Kruger National Park; Phylogenetics | biodiversity; community structure; evolutionary biology; extinction; herbivory; interspecific competition; mammal; phylogenetics; phylogeny; plant community; plant-herbivore interaction; savanna; shrub; species diversity; Kruger National Park; South Africa; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926147254 | Evaluation of major causes of road accidents along north–east highway, nigeria | Yero A.S., Ahmed T.Y., Hainin M.R. | 2015 | Jurnal Teknologi | 73 | 4 | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Department of Geotechnics and Transportation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | Yero, A.S., Department of Civil Engineering, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Ahmed, T.Y., Department of Civil Engineering, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, P.M.B 0248, Bauchi, Nigeria; Hainin, M.R., Department of Geotechnics and Transportation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia | A major road link in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria is the Bauchi – Maiduguri highway that is a 425 km road that links a section of the north east region to other regions of Nigeria. The goods and services to the region are basically transported by road. This has increased vehicular traffic that resulted in increased road accident rates over the years. It is paramount to investigate the major causes of vehicle accidents on this highway as much has not been done to investigate accident cases on the route. The five year accident record on that route was obtained from the Federal Road Safety Corp of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police traffic unit, and the Nigeria union of road traffic workers. The study indicated that speed violation by drivers and bad road conditions contributes greatly in the rate of accidents along the route. Hence the study recommends better road maintenance culture and more sensitization of the road users and enforcement of speed limits. © 2015 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved. | Accident; Highway; Traffic; Vehicles and road safety | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-58449129069 | Evaluation of antiasthmatic and anticough effects of a medicinal plant used in ivorian pharmacopoeia: Combretum molle [Évaluation de l'activité antiasthmatique et antitussive de Combretum molle, plante médicinale de la pharmacopée ivoirienne] | Yeo D., N'Guessan J.D., Sea T., Coulibaly Y.A., Djaman A.J., Tako N.A., Yavo J.C., Guede-Guina F. | 2008 | Phytotherapie | 6 | 6 | 10.1007/s10298-008-0347-6 | Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie Biochimique, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Laboratoire de Neurosciences, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Laboratoire de Biotechnologie, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Clinique, UFR des Sciences Médicales, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa | Yeo, D., Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie Biochimique, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; N'Guessan, J.D., Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie Biochimique, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Sea, T., Laboratoire de Biotechnologie, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Coulibaly, Y.A., Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie Biochimique, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Djaman, A.J., Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie Biochimique, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Tako, N.A., Laboratoire de Neurosciences, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Yavo, J.C., Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Clinique, UFR des Sciences Médicales, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa; Guede-Guina, F., Laboratoire de Pharmacodynamie Biochimique, UFR Biosciences, Université de Cocody-Abidjan, Cocody-Abidjan, South Africa | In this work, we studied the inhibitory effects of Combretum molle extract on respiratory disturbances and coughs. Injection of 3.33 mg/kg and 7.14 mg/kg of Combretum molle had no effect on a rabbit's breathing. Injection of acetylcholine (0.2 ml; 714.10-3 mg/kg) induced a percentage estimated at -100%. But a combined injection of acetylcholine and increasing doses of Combretum molle reduced this percentage from -100% to -20 ± 0.5%. We also studied the inhibitory effects of the crude extract on coughs. Guinea pigs which were not treated produced 10.25 ± 0.95 in 10 minutes. But treating the guinea-pigs with 3 mg/kg of crude extract resulted in 8.25 ± 0.45 coughs for 10 min. With 30 mg/kg, however, coughing was reduced to 4.5 ± 0.25. We could therefore conclude that the extract presents some inhibitory effects on coughing and bronchial contraction induced by acetylcholine. © 2008 Springer Verlag. | Bronchial contraction; Combretum molle; Cough; Inhibition and breathing | acetylcholine; antiasthmatic agent; antitussive agent; combretum molle extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal model; article; breathing; bronchospasm; Combretum molle; coughing; dose response; drug dose increase; drug effect; drug screening; guinea pig; medical literature; medicinal plant; nonhuman; rabbit; respiratory failure | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149497773 | Impact of prolonged rainy seasons on food crop production in Cameroon | Yengoh G.T., Tchuinte A., Armah F.A., Odoi J.O. | 2010 | Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change | 15 | 8 | 10.1007/s11027-010-9241-2 | Department of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Division of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden; National Service of Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yaounde, Cameroon; Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Nature Today, A 25 Standard Estates, Sakumono, Osu, P.O. Box OS 1455, Accra, Ghana | Yengoh, G.T., Department of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, Division of Physical Geography and Ecosystems Analysis, Lund University, Sölvegatan 12, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden; Tchuinte, A., National Service of Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yaounde, Cameroon; Armah, F.A., Department of Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Odoi, J.O., Nature Today, A 25 Standard Estates, Sakumono, Osu, P.O. Box OS 1455, Accra, Ghana | This study set out to examine why agricultural production in differing agro-ecological zones of the same country responds differently to a common environmental event (an extension of the rainy season). We find that the heavy reliance of farmers in the drier agro-ecological zones on seasonal cycles make them more vulnerable to an extension of the rainy season than those in regions where rainfall is less relied on. Effects in these vulnerable regions include significant damage to crops as well as a shortage in local markets, which raises prices of basic food commodities. The difference between prices in low and high food producing periods is low for crops that can easily be preserved during rains (such as cassava at 58% from an average of 20% in previous years and yams at 82% from 65%). Crops that depend on sunshine for preservation experience greater differences between low and high periods (maize at 92% from an average of 31% in previous years, sorghum at 180% from 53%, and beans at 68% from 42%). In zones with a history of unreliable dry seasons, farmers are more adapted to coping with an extension of the rainy season and possess technology and skills which can be made available to others in vulnerable zones through inter-regional knowledge transfer of knowledge and skills. This study further reinforces the understanding that isolated climate shocks could be important in understanding and managing vulnerability. Also, vulnerability is quite variable even among communities in the same country, in which people practice the same economic activity and are exposed to the same shock. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Agriculture; Agro-ecological zones; Effects; Rainfall; Seasons; Small-scale farming | commodity; crop damage; crop production; ecological impact; economic analysis; farming system; legume; maize; market system; rainfall; season; sorghum; vulnerability; Cameroon; Manihot esculenta; Zea mays | None |
| None | None | Establishing sustainable performance-based incentive schemes: Views of rural health workers from qualitative research in three sub-Saharan African countries | Ye´ M., Aninanya G.A., Sie´ A., Kakoko D.C.V., Chatio S., Kagone´ M., Loukanova S., Williams J.E., Sauerborn R. | 2014 | Rural and Remote Health | 14 | 3 | None | Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Department of Medical Anthropology, Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany | Ye´, M., Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Aninanya, G.A., Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Sie´, A., Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Kakoko, D.C.V., Department of Medical Anthropology, Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania; Chatio, S., Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Kagone´, M., Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso; Loukanova, S., Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Williams, J.E., Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana; Sauerborn, R., Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany | Introduction: Performance-based incentives (PBIs) are currently receiving attention as a strategy for improving the quality of care that health providers deliver. Experiences from several African countries have shown that PBIs can trigger improvements, particularly in the area of maternal and neonatal health. The involvement of health workers in deciding how their performance should be measured is recommended. Only limited information is available about how such schemes can be made sustainable. This study explored the types of PBIs that rural health workers suggested, their ideas regarding the management and sustainability of such schemes, and their views on which indicators best lend themselves to the monitoring of performance. In this article the authors reported the findings from a cross-country survey conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania. Methods: The study was exploratory with qualitative methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 29 maternal and neonatal healthcare providers, four district health managers and two policy makers (total 35 respondents) from one district in each of the three countries. The respondents were purposively selected from six peripheral health facilities. Care was taken to include providers who had a management role. By also including respondents from district and policy level a comparison of perspectives from different levels of the health system was facilitated. The data that was collected was coded and analysed with support of NVivo v8 software. Results: The most frequently suggested PBIs amongst the respondents in Burkina Faso were training with per-diems, bonuses and recognition of work done. The respondents in Tanzania favoured training with per-diems, as well as payment of overtime, and timely promotion. The respondents in Ghana also called for training, including paid study leave, payment of overtime and recognition schemes for health workers or facilities. Respondents in the three countries supported the mobilisation of local resources to make incentive schemes more sustainable. There was a general view that it was easier to integrate the cost of non-financial incentives in local budgets. There were concerns about the fairness of such schemes from the provider level in all three countries. District managers were worried about the workload that would be required to manage the schemes. The providers themselves were less clear about which indicators best lent themselves to the purpose of performance monitoring. District managers and policy makers most commonly suggested indicators that were in line with national maternal and neonatal healthcare indicators. Conclusions: The study showed that health workers have considerable interest in performance-based incentive schemes and are concerned about their sustainability. There is a need to further explore the use of non-financial incentives in PBI schemes, as such incentives were considered to stand a greater chance of being integrated into local budgets. Ensuring participation of healthcare providers in the design of such schemes is likely to achieve buy-in and endorsement from the health workers involved. However, input from managers and policy makers is essential to keep expectations realistic and to ensure the indicators selected fit the purpose and are part of routine reporting systems. © M Ye´, GA Aninanya, A Sie´, DCV Kakoko, S Chatio, M Kagone´, S Loukanova, JE Williams, R Sauerborn, 2014. | Burkina Faso; Developing countries; Ghana; Incentives; Pay-for-performance; Performance-based financing; Performance-based incentives; Sub-Saharan African; Tanzania | adult; Africa south of the Sahara; female; health care personnel; health care quality; health personnel attitude; health service; human; in service training; male; middle aged; motivation; organization and management; psychology; qualitative research; salary and fringe benefit; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Attitude of Health Personnel; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Inservice Training; Male; Maternal Health Services; Middle Aged; Motivation; Qualitative Research; Quality of Health Care; Salaries and Fringe Benefits | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881534643 | The impact of climatic change on nigerian landcover during the el-nino southern oscillations (ENSO), event of 1997 to 1998 | Yelwa S.A., Dangulla M. | 2013 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences | 8 | 1 | 10.3923/rjasci.2013.33.41 | Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University, P.M.B. 7156, Dutse Jigawa State, Nigeria; Department of Geography, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria | Yelwa, S.A., Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University, P.M.B. 7156, Dutse Jigawa State, Nigeria; Dangulla, M., Department of Geography, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria | Seventytwo dekadal NDVI dataset derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer-Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (AVHRR-NDVI) on board the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration-National Aeronautics Space Administration (NOAA-NASA) meteorological satellites were recomposed into a 24 time-series monthly Maximum Value Composite (MVC) images covering the El-Nino Southern Oscillations (ENSO) event of 1997 to 1998 and analysed within a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with the standardised principal components and supplemented with coefficient of variation derived images. The purpose is to assess the impact of such event on landcover across Nigeria and in particular, vegetation patterns across the country. Results from this analysis produced 24 standardised principal component imageries with another corresponding 24 individual loading scores presented in graphs. Others include inter-seasonal coefficient of variation change images for 1997 and 1998 as well as an annual mean NDVI image of the total 24 time-series dataset; temporal profiles of sites observed with distinct changes and a coefficient of variation graph through the monthly time-series were presented. The resultant component one image shows an overall 96.5% of the variation in the total time-series dataset while the succeeding imageries illustrated change elements in the order of the component loadings (which are weighted). In comparison with the mean imagery of the total 24 time-series dataset, the first component image showed a considerable similarity indicating a typical characteristic of landcover (particularly vegetation NDVI) pattern over the whole country during the 1997 to 1998 ENSO event with positive and negative anomalies in certain locations across some states but more distinct in locations around the Kainji and Lake Chad basins, Niger delta area, Bayelsa, Lagos, Taraba, Plateau, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara Adamawa, Yobe and Bomo states. Thus, results from this study highlighted specific locations across the country with anomalies of climatic impact as a result of the 1997 to 1998 ENSO event. © Medwell Journals, 2013. | AVHRR-NDVI; Climatic impact; ENSO; Environment; NOAA; PCA; Sea surface temperature | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84931843490 | Thermodynamic analysis and performance optimization of organic rankine cycles for the conversion of low-to-moderate grade geothermal heat | Yekoladio P.J., Bello-Ochende T., Meyer J.P. | 2015 | International Journal of Energy Research | 39 | 9 | 10.1002/er.3326 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | Yekoladio, P.J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Bello-Ochende, T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Meyer, J.P., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa | The present study considers a thermodynamic analysis and performance optimization of geothermal power cycles. The proposed binary-cycles operate with moderately low temperature and liquid-dominated geothermal resources in the range of 110°C to 160°C, and cooling air at ambient conditions of 25°C and 101.3kPa reference temperature and atmospheric pressure, respectively. A thermodynamic optimization process and an irreversibility analysis were performed to maximize the power output while minimizing the overall exergy destruction and improving the First-law and Second-law efficiencies of the cycle. Maximum net power output was observed to increase exponentially with the geothermal resource temperature to yield 16-49kW per unit mass flow rate of the geothermal fluid for the non-regenerative organic Rankine cycles (ORCs), as compared with 8-34kW for the regenerative cycles. The cycle First-law efficiency was determined in the range of 8-15% for the investigated geothermal binary power cycles. Maximum Second-law efficiency of approximately 56% was achieved by the ORC with an internal heat exchanger. In addition, a performance analysis of selected pure organic fluids such as R123, R152a, isobutane and n-pentane, with boiling points in the range of -24°C to 36°C, was conducted under saturation temperature and subcritical pressure operating conditions of the turbine. Organic fluids with higher boiling point temperature, such as n-pentane, were recommended for non-regenerative cycles. The regenerative ORCs, however, require organic fluids with lower vapour specific heat capacity (i.e. isobutane) for an optimal operation of the binary-cycle. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Exergy; Geothermal energy; Irreversibility analysis; Optimization; Organic rankine cycle | Atmospheric pressure; Atmospheric temperature; Bins; Boiling point; Exergy; Geothermal fields; Optimization; Paraffins; Rankine cycle; Specific heat; Thermoanalysis; Thermodynamic properties; Thermodynamics; Boiling-point temperature; Internal heat exchanger; Irreversibility analysis; Organic Rankine cycles; Organic rankine cycles (ORCs); Performance optimizations; Thermo dynamic analysis; Thermodynamic optimization; Geothermal energy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900523563 | Performance practice of bata ensemble of the awori people in Lagos state, Nigeria | Yekini-Ajenifuja I.A. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 9 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p620 | Department of Theatre Arts and Music, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria | Yekini-Ajenifuja, I.A., Department of Theatre Arts and Music, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria | Performance as a major means of expression of African music cannot be overemphasized because of its usage as a means of communication, education, entertainment, among others. The heterogeneous nature of African society creates divergent practices in its music. In Yoruba land, some musical practices are strictly practiced in certain locality while others are generally practiced across the land. Those that are generally practiced are not strictly the same as a result of human interaction, as such; every community has its own unique value added to its performance of music. The Bata ensemble music is one of the strictly practiced music in Yoruba land by the egungun and sango devotees that is gradually turning general. This paper examines the performance practice of Bata ensemble in Awori community. Its organization and musical style were also investigated. Library and field work was used in this paper to explore its empirical nature. It was discovered that composition of instruments, their names and its performance style is unique and slightly different from other localities. | Drum; Ensemble; Instrument and bata; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877739095 | Evaluation of toxic effects of lambdacyhalothrin on the haematology and selected biochemical parameters of African catfish Clarias gariepinus | Yekeen T.A., Fawole O.O., Bakare A.A. | 2013 | Zoology and Ecology | 23 | 1 | 10.1080/21658005.2013.767613 | Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Yekeen, T.A., Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Fawole, O.O., Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P. M. B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria; Bakare, A.A., Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The potential acute and chronic toxic effects of lambdacyhalothrin (LCT) on African catfish Clarias gariepinus were evaluated. Lethal concentrations (LC) were determined using 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 ppm of LCT. Haematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated on fish treated with 0.001, 0.005, 0.010 and 0.025 ppm of LCT. Blood samples were collected on the 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th day of exposure and 60th day of recovery. Fish treated with LCT showed behavioural abnormalities compared to the control, which included reduced swimming activity, loss of equilibrium, vertical hanging and air gulping. The LC50 values of LCT were 0.571, 0.380, 0.337 and 0.325 ppm at the exposure time of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. Significant reductions (p≤0.05) were observed in the packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration values in exposed fish. Initial increase in the value of the white blood cell count was observed, which later declined. Serum glucose increased significantly (p≤0.05), while globulin decreased significantly. Albumin did not show any significant difference among tested concentrations. The results revealed that the emulsifiable concentrate form of LCT caused reduction in haematological and biochemical parameters of C. gariepinus. The data obtained in this study provide more information on the potential impacts of LCT on non-target organisms and thus will assist in future ecotoxicological evaluations. Copyright © 2013 Nature Research Centre. | Biochemical; Clarias gariepinus; Haematology; Lambdacyhalothrin; Protein | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68049089781 | The rooting performance of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) cuttings leached in water and application of rooting hormone in different media | Yeboah J., Lowor S.T., Amoah F.M. | 2009 | Journal of Plant Sciences | 4 | 1 | 10.3923/jps.2009.10.14 | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Yeboah, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Lowor, S.T., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Amoah, F.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | In order to improve the rooting performance of shea stem cuttings to enhance the establislunent of shea plantation, an investigation was carried out in 2003/2004 at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Substation, Bole in a polythene propagator. The propagating structures for the experiment were kept under a shade net (50% shade) to create a microclimate for the cuttings. The treatments employed were leaching, different growth media and hormone application. Rejuvenated (coppiced cuttings) shoots that were not leached (not dipped in water) gave significantly higher rooting than the leached cuttings while Seradix 3 powder applied cuttings produced significantly higher (p<0.05) rooting than the control. Significantly high in number, more developed and longer roots per cutting were recorded for the rice husk medium than the sand and sand-top soil (1: 1) media. The biochemical analysis significantly recorded high levels of sugar and phenol for cuttings that were not leached in water. The results of this study demonstrated that rice husk medium was the best for rooting shea cuttings. © 2009 Academic Journals Inc. | Phenol; Rice husk medium; Sand; Sand+top soil; Sugar | Theobroma cacao; Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349130706 | The rooting performance of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa gaertn) stem cuttings as influenced by wood type, sucrose and rooting hormone | Yeboah J., Lowor S.T., Amoah F.M. | 2009 | Scientific Research and Essays | 4 | 5 | None | Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Yeboah, J., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Lowor, S.T., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana; Amoah, F.M., Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8, Tafo-Akim, Ghana | Vegetative propagation of stem cuttings of different physiological woodtypes of Vitellaria paradoxa was studied in a polythene propagator. The treatments included combinations of wood type (soft, semi-hard and rejuvenated (coppiced) shoots), sucrose application at 0, 15 and 25%, and Seradix '3' powder hormone (active ingredient- indolebutyricacid) at 0 and 8000 ppm. Cuttings of rejuvenated shoots dipped in 15% sucrose solution gave significantly higher rooting and longer roots than both softwood and semihardwood. High levels (P < 0.05) of soluble sugars and total free phenols were recorded for coppiced cuttings which resulted in better rooting performance than the other wood types. Cuttings dipped in Seradix '3' powder hormone significantly recorded higher rooting than the control (no hormone). © 2009 Academic Journals. | Cuttings; Rooting; Rooting hormone; Sucrose; Vitellaria paradoxa gaertn | Vitellaria paradoxa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-56249111360 | Feeding Acacia etbaica and Dichrostachys cinerea fruits to smallholder goats in northern Ethiopia improves their performance during the dry season | Yayneshet T., Eik L.O., Moe S.R. | 2008 | Livestock Science | 119 | 42372 | 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.02.007 | Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway; Department of Animal, Rangeland, and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway | Yayneshet, T., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway, Department of Animal, Rangeland, and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box 231, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Eik, L.O., Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway; Moe, S.R., Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway | Acacia etbaica Schweinf. and Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn. are among the common woody browse plants that naturally grow in many arid and semi-arid rangelands in sub Saharan Africa. An experiment was conducted to compare the voluntary dry matter intake, body weight gain, nitrogen balance, carcass composition and sensory attributes of goats supplemented with different levels of A. etbaica and D. cinerea fruits. Average initial body weight of the goats was 20.4 kg (± 0.8SE) and received one of the following fruit supplementation regimes for 120 days (on body weight basis, n = 4 goats per group): (1) Control, no supplement; (2) 0.5% of A. etbaica; (3) 0.5% of D. cinerea; (4) 1.0% of A. etbaica; (5) 1.0% of D. cinerea; (6) 1.5% of A. etbaica; (7) 1.5% of D. cinerea. All groups were allowed to graze/browse during the day. Compared to A. etbaica, D. cinerea fruits contained higher amounts of crude protein (182 vs 135 g/kg DM), metabolizable energy (11 vs 8.4 MJ/kg DM), and in vitro dry matter digestibility coefficient (0.7 vs 0.6). The concentrations of acid detergent fiber (ADF), sulphuric acid solubulized lignin, and tannin (soluble and condensed) were lower (P < 0.05) in D. cinerea than in A. etbaica fruits. A. etbaica fruits, however, contained higher amounts of Na, K, Fe, and Zn concentrations than D. cinerea fruits. Dry matter intake was markedly higher in supplemented groups than in the control group without supplement. Similarly, body weight gain in the control group was negative and lower (P < 0.05) than any of the supplemented groups. During the course of the experimental period (120 days) the group placed in the 1.5% D. cinerea fruit diet gained 2.6 kg whereas the control group lost 2.0 kg. Thus, the difference between these two groups was 4.6 kg, which suggests about 22.5% increment of the goats' initial body weight. N retention was negative for the control group and varied little among the remaining treatment groups. Dressing percent increased with increased level of either type of fruit supplement, the highest (51.8%) being achieved at the 1.5% D. cinerea level. There was no difference in bone tissue across treatment groups. D. cinerea fruit intake also resulted in juicy/watery flavor and tender carcass. D. cinerea fruits appeared to have no adverse effects when included at the highest level (1.5%) and could be collected and stored as dry season supplement to smallholder goats. This study shows that poor farmers can increase goat performance substantially through supplement feeding with wild fruits. Areas in Ethiopia originally set aside for provision of ecological services and biodiversity protection can also be used for wild fruit production and feeding of small stock. The effect of increasing D. cinerea fruits above the 1.5% body weight level should be a focus of future investigation. Further work on deactivation mechanism of tannins is required for A. etbaica fruits included at levels higher than 1.0%. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Body weight; Dry matter intake; Exclosure; Supplement; Tigray | Acacia; Acacia etbaica; Capra hircus; Dichrostachys cinerea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646246162 | Impact assessment of Mtera and Kidatu reservoirs on the annual maximum floods at Stiegler's Gorge of the Rufiji River in Tanzania | Yawson D.K., Kongo V.M., Kachroo R.K. | 2006 | Water International | 31 | 1 | 10.1080/02508060608691919 | International Water Management Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; IUCN-West Africa Regional Office Project, Komadugu Yobe Basin, Nigeria; Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Keny | Yawson, D.K., International Water Management Institute, Pretoria, South Africa, IUCN-West Africa Regional Office Project, Komadugu Yobe Basin, Nigeria; Kongo, V.M., University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kenya, School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture Engineering Division, Soil and Water Conservation, Irrigation, Land Use Planning and Mechanization Services, South Africa; Kachroo, R.K. | The impoundment of any river causes changes in the downstream flow regime. The effect of a dam on flow regime depends on both the storage capacity of the reservoir relative to the volume of river flow and the way the dam is operated. The most common attribute of flow regulation is a decrease in the magnitude of the flood peaks and an increase in low flows. This paper reports the findings of a study to assess the cumulative impact of two dams on the Great Ruaha River in Tanzania (the Mtera and Kidatu Reservoir System) on flood flows. The method used was to compare the observed annual maximum flows at downstream locations after the construction of the dams with mathematically modeled estimates of the annual maximum flows at the same locations, assuming that the dams were not built (i.e. generating naturalized flows). Contrary to expectations, the study found that annual maximum peaks were supposed to be less than those actually observed. For instance, in 1989, annual maximum peak flow of 1,400 m 3/s was recorded at Kidatu, but the estimated uncontrolled peak flow should have been 800 m 3/s, signifying an artificially-induced flood wave. Although, there was a significant impact on the peak flows at Kidatu owing to the dams, the impact was found to be minimal on the flow peaks at Steigler's Gorge. © 2006 International Water Resources Association. | Annual maximum floods; Impact assessment; Linear transfer function; Mathematical modeling; Mtera-Kidatu Reservoir System; Rufiji River Basin | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74549172109 | Assessing the impacts of climate change and land transformation on Banksia in the South West Australian Floristic Region | Yates C.J., McNeill A., Elith J., Midgley G.F. | 2010 | Diversity and Distributions | 16 | 1 | 10.1111/j.1472-4642.2009.00623.x | Science Division, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Bentley Delivery Centre, LMB 104, WA 6983, Australia; School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa | Yates, C.J., Science Division, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Bentley Delivery Centre, LMB 104, WA 6983, Australia; McNeill, A., Science Division, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Bentley Delivery Centre, LMB 104, WA 6983, Australia; Elith, J., School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Midgley, G.F., South African National Biodiversity Institute, P/Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa | Aim To determine the potential combined effects of climate change and land transformation on the modelled geographic ranges of Banksia. Location Mediterranean climate South West Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). Methods We used the species distribution modelling software Maxent to relate current environmental conditions to occurrence data for 18 Banksia species, and subsequently made spatial predictions using two simple dispersal scenarios (zero and universal), for three climate-severity scenarios at 2070, taking the impacts of land transformation on species' ranges into account. The species were chosen to reflect the biogeography of Banksia in the SWAFR. Results Climate-severity scenario, dispersal scenario, biogeographic distribution and land transformation all influenced the direction and magnitude of the modelled range change responses for the 18 species. The predominant response of species to all climate change scenarios was range contraction, with exceptions for some northern and widespread species. Including land transformation in estimates of modelled geographic range size for the three climate-severity scenarios generally resulted in smaller gains and larger declines in species ranges across both dispersal scenarios. Including land transformation and assuming zero dispersal resulted, as expected, in the greatest declines in projected range size across all species. Increasing climate change severity greatly increased the risk of decline in the 18 Banksia species, indicating the critical role of mitigating future emissions. Main conclusions The combined effects of climate change and land transformation may have significant adverse impacts on endemic Proteaceae in the SWAFR, especially under high emissions scenarios and if, as expected, natural migration is limiting. Although these results need cautious interpretation in light of the many assumptions underlying the techniques used, the impacts identified warrant a clear focus on monitoring across species ranges to detect early signs of change, and experiments that determine physiological thresholds for species in order to validate and refine the models. © 2009 Western Australian Government. | Biodiversity hotspot; Climate change; Habitat fragmentation; Maxent; Mediterranean-type ecosystem; Species distribution model | biodiversity; climate change; climate effect; dispersal; evergreen tree; floristics; habitat fragmentation; landscape change; physiology; phytogeography; population distribution; range size; software; Australia; Banksia; Proteaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858207345 | Performance determinants of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in mathematics of secondary schools in Nyamaiya Division, Kenya | Yara P.O., Catherine W.W. | 2011 | Asian Social Science | 7 | 2 | None | Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda | Yara, P.O., Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda; Catherine, W.W. | The study found the performance determinants of students' performance in mathematics Kenya certificate of secondary education (KCSE) in Nyamaiya division of Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey design of the ex-post facto type with a total student population of 151 and 12 teachers. Four validated research instrument developed for the study were Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) (r = 0.67), Students Questionnaire (SQ) (r = 0.75), Teachers Questionnaire (TQ) (r = 0.60 and Head teachers Questionnaire (HQ) (r = 0.70). Three research questions were answered. The data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. There was a positive correlation among the six independent variables and the dependent measure - mathematics performance(R= 0.238; F (6,151)=1.53843; p<0.05). The six variables accounted for 45.6% of the total variance in the independent measure (R 2 = 0.564). Teachers' experience (B=0.972, t=2.080; p<0.05), teachers' qualification (B=0.182, t=2.390; p<0.05), teachers/students' attitude (B=0.215, t= 2.821; p<0.05) and school category (B=0.064, t=0.352; p<0.05) could be used to predict students' academic performance in mathematics. It is therefore recommended that adequate attention should paid to these variables that can predict students' performance by the government and other stakeholders of education in Kenya. | Kenya certificate of education; Performance determinants; Secondary school mathematics; Students performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898971133 | Investigation of the impact of demand elasticity on electricity market using extended Cournot approach | Yan J., Folly K. | 2014 | International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems | 60 | None | 10.1016/j.ijepes.2014.03.037 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Yan, J., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Folly, K., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | The impact of demand elasticity on electricity market is investigated in this paper. An extended Cournot model is derived from the classical Cournot model by including the consideration of demand elasticity. Simulation results show that, the demand elasticity can effectively influence the market outcomes, i.e. market clearing price, load payment, generation companies' (GENCOs) individual output and profit. Furthermore, comparison of results using the extended Cournot model with those obtained using an industrial-grade software package (Plexos) shows a good agreement. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cournot competition; Demand elasticity; Electricity market | Commerce; Electric industry; Cournot; Cournot competition; Cournot model; Demand elasticities; Electricity market; Generation companies; Market Clearing Price; Market outcomes; Elasticity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745178484 | Effects of impeller speed and aeration rate on flotation performance of sulphide ore | Yang X.-S., Aldrich C. | 2006 | Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China (English Edition) | 16 | 1 | 10.1016/S1003-6326(06)60033-2 | Institute of Mineral Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China; Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | Yang, X.-S., Institute of Mineral Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China; Aldrich, C., Department of Process Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa | The effects of aeration rate and impeller speed on the concentrate sulfur grade and recovery for batch flotation of a complex sulphide ore were investigated. The relationships between the water recovery and solid entrainment were discussed. It is found that the solid entrainment is linearly related to the water recovery regardless of aeration rate and impeller speed, and the higher sulfur recovery at the aeration rate of 2 and 4 L/min for the impeller speed of 1500 r/min is considered to be the contribution of true flotation. Finally, the sulfur recovery flux is correlated with the bubble surface area flux based on the froth image at the different aeration rates and impeller speeds. | Aeration rate; Impeller speed; Solid entrainment; Water recovery | Bubbles (in fluids); Froth flotation; Impellers; Ore treatment; Recovery; Sulfur deposits; Aeration rate; Bubble surface area flux; Impeller speed; Solid entrainment; Sulfur recovery flux; Sulphide ore; Water recovery; Sulfide minerals | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55949105775 | Integrating DEA-oriented performance assessment and target setting using interactive MOLP methods | Yang J.-B., Wong B.Y.H., Xu D.-L., Stewart T.J. | 2009 | European Journal of Operational Research | 195 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ejor.2008.01.013 | Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M15 6PB, United Kingdom; Management School, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Yang, J.-B., Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M15 6PB, United Kingdom, Management School, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China; Wong, B.Y.H., Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M15 6PB, United Kingdom; Xu, D.-L., Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M15 6PB, United Kingdom; Stewart, T.J., Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multiple objective linear programming (MOLP) are tools that can be used in management control and planning. Whilst these two types of model are similar in structure, DEA is directed to assessing past performances as part of management control function and MOLP to planning future performance targets. This paper is devoted to investigating equivalence models and interactive tradeoff analysis procedures in MOLP, such that DEA-oriented performance assessment and target setting can be integrated in a way that the decision makers' preferences can be taken into account in an interactive fashion. Three equivalence models are investigated between the output-oriented dual DEA model and the minimax reference point formulations, namely the super-ideal point model, the ideal point model and the shortest distance model. These models can be used to support efficiency analysis in the same way as the conventional DEA model does and also support tradeoff analysis for setting target values by individuals or groups. A case study is conducted to illustrate how DEA-oriented efficiency analysis can be conducted using the MOLP methods and how such performance assessment can be integrated into an interactive procedure for setting realistic target values. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Data envelopment analysis; Minimax method; Multiple objective linear programming; Performance assessment; Tradeoff analysis | Communication channels (information theory); Data envelopment analysis; Decision theory; Dynamic programming; Industrial management; Linear programming; Linearization; Particle size analysis; Planning; Targets; Case studies; Dea models; Decision makers; Efficiency analysis; Equivalence models; Future performances; Ideal points; Management controls; MiniMax; Minimax method; Multiple objective linear programming; Multiple objective linear programmings; Performance assessment; Performance assessments; Reference points; Shortest distances; Target settings; Target values; Tradeoff analysis; Two types; Modal analysis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928940092 | Tracing shadows: How gendered power relations shape the impacts of maternal death on living children in sub Saharan Africa | Yamin A.E., Bazile J., Knight L., Molla M., Maistrellis E., Leaning J. | 2015 | Social Science and Medicine | 135 | None | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.04.033 | Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Partners In Health-Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi; HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States | Yamin, A.E., Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Bazile, J., Partners In Health-Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, Neno, Malawi; Knight, L., HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Molla, M., Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Maistrellis, E., Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Leaning, J., Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States, Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States | Driven by the need to better understand the full and intergenerational toll of maternal mortality (MM), a mixed-methods study was conducted in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa to investigate the impacts of maternal death on families and children. The present analysis identifies gender as a fundamental driver not only of maternal, but also child health, through manifestations of gender inequity in household decision making, labor and caregiving, and social norms dictating the status of women. Focus group discussions were conducted with community members, and in depth qualitative interviews with key-informants and stakeholders, in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, and South Africa between April 2012 and October 2013. Findings highlight that socially constructed gender roles, which define mothers as caregivers and fathers as wage earners, and which limit women's agency regarding childcare decisions, among other things, create considerable gaps when it comes to meeting child nutrition, education, and health care needs following a maternal death. Additionally, our findings show that maternal deaths have differential effects on boy and girl children, and exacerbate specific risks for girl children, including early marriage, early pregnancy, and school drop-out. To combat both MM, and to mitigate impacts on children, investment in health services interventions should be complemented by broader interventions regarding social protection, as well as aimed at shifting social norms and opportunity structures regarding gendered divisions of labor and power at household, community, and society levels. © 2015 . | Child health; Ethiopia; Gender roles; Malawi; Masculinities; Maternal mortality; South Africa; Tanzania | child care; child health; gender relations; gender role; health services; maternal mortality; womens status; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; Article; attitude to death; child; child health care; child nutrition; education; Ethiopia; father; female; health care access; human; Malawi; male; masculinity; maternal mortality; mother; orphaned child; sex difference; sex role; sexism; social norm; social status; socioeconomics; South Africa; Tanzania; wellbeing; Africa south of the Sahara; child health; developing country; gender identity; health service; information processing; maternal mortality; orphaned child; pregnancy; qualitative research; social norm; supply and distribution; Ethiopia; Malawi; South Africa; Tanzania; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; Child; Child Health; Child, Orphaned; Developing Countries; Fathers; Female; Focus Groups; Gender Identity; Health Services; Humans; Male; Maternal Death; Maternal Mortality; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Social Norms; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43049132214 | Impacts of prime-age adult mortality on labour supply: Evidence from adolescents and women in South Africa | Yamauchi F., Buthelezi T., Velia M. | 2008 | Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics | 70 | 3 | 10.1111/j.1468-0084.2008.00504.x | International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Social Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Yamauchi, F., International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States; Buthelezi, T., Department of Social Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Pretoria, South Africa, School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Velia, M., School of Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | This paper examines the impact of prime-age adult mortality on the transition made by adolescents from school to the labour market and on female adult labour force participation decisions in South Africa. We find, first, that deaths of prime-age adults significantly increase both male and female adolescents' labour force participation as they stop their schooling. Secondly, the death of prime-age adults in general also decreases school enrolment ex ante. Thirdly, female adults tend to join the labour force following the death of prime-age adult males. These findings imply that prime-age adult mortality increases labour supply and disrupts human capital formation. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Department of Economics, University of Oxford, 2008. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33646161927 | Ecosystem approach to mitigate impacts of sedimentation on the hydrological cycle and aquatic ecosystem | Yamashiki Y., Nakamura T., Kurosawa M., Matsui S. | 2006 | Hydrological Processes | 20 | 6 | 10.1002/hyp.6089 | Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Technology, 1-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308, Japan; Division of GEF Coordination, United Nations Environment Programme, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Graduate School of Global Environment Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan | Yamashiki, Y., Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Technology, 1-8 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308, Japan; Nakamura, T., Division of GEF Coordination, United Nations Environment Programme, PO Box 30552, Nairobi, Kenya; Kurosawa, M., Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Matsui, S., Graduate School of Global Environment Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan | This study illustrates the importance of sedimentation control on a global scale by introducing general concepts developed locally through field observations in eutrophic bay in Lake Biwa in Japan, and in Dongting Lake in China. The phosphorus concentration of suspended solids in water columns and in the bottom sediment during soil puddling before the transplanting of rice seedlings have been measured analytically. We have estimated the gross phosphorus loads and the economical loss of losing fertilizer from rice paddy fields in the whole Lake Biwa basin during the same period. Additionally, the discussions and conclusions made in the session 'Ecosystem approach to water monitoring and management' organized during the Third World Water Forum held in Kyoto, are introduced. The importance of sediment control in carrying out overall water quality programmes has been emphasized not only for watersheds with severe land degradation, but also for basins where the sedimentation impacts are considered rather small, and there is a need to reverse the long-term water quality trend in shallow reservoirs in international river basins, such as La Plata River basin in South America. Establishing international standards and regulations for controlling fine sediments, making an effective economic evaluation of the impacts induced by sedimentation applicable to local farmers, as well as developing an effective project focusing on treating sedimentation to improve nutrient control should be initiated on a global scale, as with the Global Environmental Facility project. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Eutrophication; Lake Biwa; Sedimentation; WWF3 | Economics; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Lakes; Management; Rivers; Sediments; Water quality; Watersheds; Aquatic ecosystems; Hydrological cycle; Sedimentation control; Water management; Water monitoring; Ecosystems; Economics; Ecosystems; Environmental impact; Hydrology; Lakes; Management; Rivers; Sediments; Water quality; Watersheds; aquatic ecosystem; ecosystem approach; hydrological cycle; phosphorus; sedimentation; water quality; Asia; Biwa Lake; China; Dongting Lake; Eurasia; Far East; Honshu; Hunan; Japan; Kinki; Shiga | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80155133371 | Stereological evaluation of the effects of momordica charantia, antioxidants and testosterone on seminiferous tubules of rat [Evaluación estereológica de los efectos de momordica charantia, antioxidantes y testosterona sobre los túbulos seminíferos de rat | Yama O.E., Duru F.I., Oremosu A.A., Noronha C.C., Okanlawon A. | 2011 | International Journal of Morphology | 29 | 3 | None | Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Yama, O.E., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Duru, F.I., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Oremosu, A.A., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Noronha, C.C., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Okanlawon, A., Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Ubiquitous consumption of Momordica charantia is hinged on credence of its potency in alleviating ailments. Almost no data exist on its quantitative relationship to the testes. The aim was to study the histomorphometric effect of Momordica charantia seed extract (MC), ascorbic acid (C), alpha-tocopherol (E) and testosterone (T) on the testes of rats. Ninety five mature 6-8 week-old male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats allotted randomly into six groups. Group I: fed MC for 16 weeks. Group II: administered MC for 8 weeks, later distilled water for another 8 weeks. Group III: administered C, E, T and a combination of all three test solutions (CET) for 8 weeks and later fed MC for another 8 weeks. Group IV: received MC initially for 8 weeks and later administered C, E, T and CET for another 8 weeks. Group V: fed concurrently the extract, C, E, T and CET for 8 weeks. Group VI (control): administered C, E, T, CET and distilled water for 16 weeks. The doses for MC, C, E and T were 50 mg/100 g b.w/oral/day, 0.01, 20.0 and 0.05 mg/kg. The animals were sacrificed; testes estimated for volume. Diameter, cross sectional area (AC), number of profiles per unit area (NA), length density (LV) and numerical density (NV) of the seminiferous tubules determined. The mean testicular volumes, tubular diameters and AC showed significant decline (p ≤ 0.05) in Groups I and III compared to controls. On cessation of MC values recovered to baseline control value. Groups IV and V, were not significantly (p £ 0.05) different from controls. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in NA, LV and NV of seminiferous tubules in Groups I and III compared to controls. Histomorphometric data supports a reversible deleterious effect of MC on testes. | Histomorphometric; Momordica charantia; Sprague-dawley; Testes | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953236502 | The association of 20M shuttle run performance with a substantial increase in waist circumference in japanese middle-aged adults | Yamamoto N., Kojo K., Shimura M., Hagi Y. | 2010 | Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine | 59 | 2 | None | Department of Fisheries Distribution and Management, National Fisheries University, United States; Graduate School of Physical Education, National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Nigeria; Citizen's Health Plaza, Health Promotion Center, United St | Yamamoto, N., Department of Fisheries Distribution and Management, National Fisheries University, United States, Graduate School of Physical Education, National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Nigeria; Kojo, K., Citizen's Health Plaza, Health Promotion Center, United States; Shimura, M., Department for Interdisciplinary Studies of Lifelong Sport and Physical Activity, National Institute of Fitness and Sports, Kanoya, Nigeria; Hagi, Y., Department of Sport and Leisure Management, TOKAI University, Japan | Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between 20m shuttle run (20mSRT) performance and a substantial increase in waist circumference (WC) with aging in Japanese middle-aged adults. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six Japanese middle-aged adults (40-64 yrs; 40 males, 116 females) participated in this study. Baseline data on 20mSRT, height, weight, WC, alcohol habit, smoking habit and the use of medication were collected from 2003 to 2004. Follow-up data on height, weight and WC were collected in 2008. The 20mSRT results were divided into gender-specific quartiles. A logistic regression analysis was used to predict a substantial increase in the WC (5 cm or more) during the follow-up. Results: During the follow-up, 44 people had a substantial increase in the WC. Independently from sex, age, height (baseline), weight (baseline), WC (baseline), alcohol habit, smoking habit and the use of medication, the highest quartile of 20m SRT was significantly associated with significantly lower odds ratio of a substantial increase in WC (OR: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.01-0.36) in comparison to the lowest quartile of 20mSRT. Furthermore, after additional adjustment for change in weight during follow-up, the highest quartile remained significantly predictive of a substantial increase in the WC, with odds ratio of 0.07 (95%CI: 0.01-0.39). Conclusions: These results indicate that the 20mSRT performance is a significant predictor of a substantial increase in the WC with aging in Japanese middle-aged adults. | 20m shuttle run; Aging; Increase in waist circumference; Prospective study | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650995038 | Calf survival and reproductive performance of Holstein-Friesian cows in central Ethiopia | Yalew B., Lobago F., Goshu G. | 2011 | Tropical Animal Health and Production | 43 | 2 | 10.1007/s11250-010-9697-9 | Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | Yalew, B., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Lobago, F., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; Goshu, G., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Production Studies, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34 Debre Zeit, Ethiopia | This study was carried out to evaluate the reproductive performance and calves survival rate of Holstein-Friesian (HF) herd in Holeta, central highland of Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis of 26 years data was carried out, from which records of 724 age at first calving (AFC), 2,022 calving intervals (CI), 2,971 breeding efficiencies (BE), 260 abortions, 111 stillbirths were derived from 795 cows. Moreover, 738 female calves' records were also included for survival rate study. The overall least squares means of AFC, CI, and BE were 40.9 ± 0.33 months, 475 ± 2.84 days, 81.9 ± 0.26%, respectively, while the incidence rates of abortion, stillbirth, and female calves survival rate for this herd were 8.0%, 3.4%, and 77.5%, respectively. The effects of parity number and year of birth/calving on CI and BE were significant (P<0.001). Moreover, birth year had significant (P<0.001) effect on AFC and calves survival rate, while calving season had significant effect on BE. The reproductive performance found in this study was lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions and the genetic potential of HF breed in their origins. Moreover, higher loss due to calf mortality was observed. Thus, the centre should consider appropriate measures to improve its herd reproductive performance and calves survival rate for attaining its aspired objectives. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. | Calf survival; Ethiopia; Holstein-Friesian herd; Reproductive performance | animal; animal disease; animal husbandry; article; cattle; cattle disease; Ethiopia; female; male; mortality; physiology; reproduction; retrospective study; stillbirth; veterinary abortion; Abortion, Veterinary; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Ethiopia; Female; Male; Mortality; Reproduction; Retrospective Studies; Stillbirth; Friesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904743148 | Carpolobia lutea roots restore sexual arousal and performance in paroxetine-induced sexually impaired male rats | Yakubu M.T., Jimoh R.O. | 2014 | Revista Internacional de Andrologia | 12 | 3 | 10.1016/j.androl.2014.02.002 | Phytomedicine, Toxicology and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Yakubu, M.T., Phytomedicine, Toxicology and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Jimoh, R.O., Phytomedicine, Toxicology and Reproductive Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria | Objective: This study aimed at investigating the aphrodisiac effects of aqueous extract of Carpolobia lutea root at the doses of 47, 94 and 141. mg/kg body weight in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male rats. Materials and methods: Thirty sexually active male rats (148.20. ±. 3.22. g) were assigned into six groups (A-F) of five animals each. Rats in group A received 0.5. ml of distilled water once daily for 7 days while those in groups B, C, D, E and F which were induced with sexual dysfunction (oral administration of 10. mg/kg of paroxetine suspension, once daily for 21 days) received 0.5. ml corresponding to 7.14. mg/kg body weight of PowmaxM, 47, 94 and 141. mg/kg body weight of the extract and distilled water, respectively. Sexual behaviour parameters (frequencies of mount (ML), intromission (IF), ejaculation (EL), latencies of mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) and post ejaculation interval (PEI)) were monitored 30. min post administration by pairing (1:1) with receptive female rats (114.01. ±. 2.64. g) on days 1, 4 and 7. The concentrations of serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined after 7 days of administration using standard methods. Results: The study revealed that the extract contained saponins (21.02. mg/L), anthraquinones (5.11. mg/L), alkaloids (2.93. mg/L), flavonoids (1.82. mg/L), tannins (0.91. mg/L) and cardiac glycosides (0.09. mg/L) whereas terpenes, phlobatannins and steroids were not detected. Paroxetine significantly (p<. 0.05) decreased mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency and ejaculation latency whereas it increased mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval for more than the baseline of 25% in each case. In contrast, all the doses of the extract significantly (p<. 0.05) attenuated the parameters of sexual behaviour displayed by the sexual dysfunction animals, with the 141. mg/kg body weight comparing favourably (p>. 0.05) with the sexual dysfunction animals treated with Powmax. In addition, the extract significantly (p<. 0.05) elevated the levels of serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone which were hitherto reduced by paroxetine. Conclusion: The study concludes that the aqueous extract of C. lutea root especially the doses of 94 and 141. mg/kg body weight restored various components of sexual arousal and performance as well as the reproductive hormones in the sexually sluggish male rats with the highest dose being the most effective. Present findings provide experimental evidence to support the folkloric claim of the plant in the management of sexual inadequacies in males. © 2014 Asociación Española de Andrología, Medicina Sexual y Reproductiva. | Aphrodisiac; Carpolobia lutea; Paroxetine; Polygalaceae; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual function | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67649429201 | Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats | Yakubu M.T., Afolayan A.J. | 2009 | Theriogenology | 72 | 3 | 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.01.026 | Phytomedicine Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa | Yakubu, M.T., Phytomedicine Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Phytomedicine Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa | The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem at daily doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight on the reproductive function of Wistar rats were evaluated. The indices of mating and fertility success as well as quantal frequency increased after 7 days of treatment in all the dose groups except the 100 mg/kg body weight group. The number of litters was not statistically different (P > 0.05) from the control. Whereas the absolute weights of the epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were not affected, that of the testes was significantly increased. The epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, and viscosity were not different from the control after 7 days of treatment. The male rat serum testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone significantly increased in the 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight groups, whereas the estradiol concentration decreased significantly at all the doses. The extract dose of 100 mg/kg body weight decreased the serum testosterone and progesterone levels in male rats. The prolactin concentration was not affected by all the doses. All the indices of reproduction, maternal, embryo/fetotoxic, teratogenic, and reproductive hormones in the female rats were not statistically different from that of their control except the resorption index, which increased at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Histologic examination of the cross section of rat testes that received the extract at all the doses investigated revealed well-preserved seminiferous tubules with normal amount of stroma, normal population of spermatogenic and supporting cells, as well as normal spermatocytes within the lumen. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight enhanced the success rate of mating and fertility due to increased libido as well as the levels of reproductive hormones in male rats. The absence of alterations in the reproductive parameters of female rats at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight of Bulbine natalensis stem extract suggest that the extract is "safe" for use at these doses by females during the organogenic period of pregnancy, whereas the extract dose of 100 mg/kg body weight portends a negative effect on some reproductive functions of male and female rats. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Bulbine natalensis; Embryo; Fertility; Pregnancy; Reproductive functions; Reproductive hormones | plant extract; angiosperm; animal; article; chemistry; drug effect; drug screening; female; fertility; fetal well being; male; plant stem; pregnancy; rat; reproduction; spermatozoon; toxicity testing; Wistar rat; Animals; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Female; Fertility; Fetal Viability; Liliaceae; Male; Plant Extracts; Plant Stems; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reproduction; Spermatozoa; Toxicity Tests; Bulbine; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650246691 | Climate change impact on the density of Faidherbia albida on smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, northern Nigeria | Yakubu I. | 2010 | Environmentalist | 30 | 4 | 10.1007/s10669-010-9279-4 | Department of Geography, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Nigeria | Yakubu, I., Department of Geography, Bayero University, PMB 3011 Kano, Nigeria | Nigeria's vegetation in general and some important tree species in particular are under increasing threats from several factors. Worsening climate and environmental conditions, enhanced by a huge population pressure on limited resources, are some of the dominant issues of discourse among scientists. This study investigated the density of Faidherbia albida, a nitrogen-fixing tree, that has been an important component of the farming systems of the smallholder farms in the degraded lands of Kano, Nigeria. Results indicate a 55% decrease in the density of the tree in the study area. The overall diversity of trees on the smallholder farms has also declined by 38%. The study concludes that while climate change may be a catalyst, woodfuel extraction and disease are the immediate factors for the decline of F. indica in the area. It recommends (1) the inclusion of this species in the list of endangered species for deliberate regeneration and protection by all stakeholders (2) an extended study that could lead to determining the specific role of climate change on the density of the tree in the study area. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Climate change; Faidherbia albida; Nitrogen fixing; Smallholder | catalyst; climate change; dicotyledon; fuelwood; land degradation; nitrogen fixation; population decline; population density; smallholder; Kano [Nigeria]; Nigeria; Faidherbia albida | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-55949130986 | Genotype x environment interactions: Survival performance of six internationally sourced provenances of Azadirachta indica A. Juss in a degraded land in Kano, Nigeria | Yakubu I. | 2008 | Environmentalist | 28 | 4 | 10.1007/s10669-007-9150-4 | Geography Department, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria | Yakubu, I., Geography Department, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria | In order to prevent 'an impending neem failure', from the incidence of the twin problems of the neem scale insect infestations and neem dieback, six authenticated provenances (Allahabad, Karnataka, Jodphur, Madinipur, Mukkambu and Annur), from the natural range of the species in India, were collected and appraised for survival in a degraded land in Kano, Nigeria. Established in a completely randomised block design with four replications, the trial was conducted with a view to restrengthening and/or replacing the already weakened Local Land Race of the species in the study area. There was a statistically significant difference in the survival of the seven provenances. The established differences are between Allahabad 83% (6.40 SEM), Mukkambu 83% (6.40 SEM), Annur 76% (4.90 SEM), Jodphur 63% (15.09 SEM) and Madinipur 56% (6.73 SEM), on the one hand, and Karnataka 17% (1.91SEM) and the Local Land Race, with 13% (0.13 SEM), on the other hand. The research recommends Allahabad and Mukkambu 83% (6.40 SEM) based on this outstanding performance. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | Azadirachta indica; Genotype; Kano; Land race; Provenance | dicotyledon; genotype-environment interaction; land degradation; performance assessment; pest outbreak; provenance; restoration ecology; survival; Africa; Asia; Eurasia; India; Kano [Nigeria]; Nigeria; South Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa; West Africa; Azadirachta indica; Hemiptera; Hexapoda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34250209823 | Effects of feed restriction on performance, carcass yield, relative organ weights and some linear body measurements of weaner rabbits | Yakubu A., Salako A.E., Ladokun A.O., Adua M.M., Bature T.U.K. | 2007 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 6 | 4 | None | Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Yakubu, A., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Salako, A.E., Department of Animal Science, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ladokun, A.O., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Adua, M.M., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Bature, T.U.K., Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria | Effects of feed restriction on performance, carcass yield, relative organ weights and some linear body measurements were investigated in weaner rabbits in a sub-humid environment in north central Nigeria. Twenty four weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes with an average initial weight of 804.17±71.20g were used for the study which lasted six weeks. There were three dietary treatments consisting of diet A, ad libitum (24 hrs) feeding (control), diet B, 8 hrs per day feeding (7.00 a.m-3.00 p.m) and diet C, skip-a-day feeding. This feeding arrangement was carried out within the first five weeks of the experiment, after which all the animals in the three treatment groups were fed ad libitum for one week. Animals were fed pelletized commercial grower's feed supplemented with Centrosema pubescens. Drinking water was also supplied ad libitum throughout the duration of the experiment. Each treatment group was replicated four times while each replicate comprised two rabbits housed in the same cage. The initial and final body weights, feed conversion ratio, mortality, fasted weight, slaughter weight, carcass weight and dressing percentage were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by feed restriction. However, average weekly feed intake (454.94, 356.36 and 331.48g) and average weekly body weight gains (1137.50, 1127.50 and 1007.50g) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced; with higher values recorded among rabbits fed ad libitum compared to those on 8 hrs feeding per day and skip-a-day feeding respectively. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in relative weights of liver, kidneys, spleen and heart among the treatment groups. Significant difference (p<0.05) was found in the relative weight of lungs, with rabbits on 8 hrs feeding per day and those on skip-a-day feeding having an edge over those fed ad libitum (0.61 versus 0.50). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in heart girth, body length, face length and ear length among the dietary treatments studied. The present results have indicated that feed restriction could be exploited in the feeding regimen of rabbits, especially in periods of inadequate supply of concentrates and forages. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Body measurements; Carcass characteristics; Feed restriction; Performance; Weaner rabbits | drinking water; animal food; animal housing; animal tissue; anthropometry; article; body height; body weight; carcass; controlled study; diet restriction; diet supplementation; facies; feeding behavior; female; fluid intake; food availability; forage; heart volume; heart weight; humidity; kidney mass; liver weight; lung weight; male; mortality; Nigeria; nonhuman; organ weight; physical performance; rabbit; sex difference; spleen weight; weight gain; Animalia; Centrosema pubescens; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548476044 | Effects of genotype and housing system on the laying performance of chickens in different seasons in the semi-humid tropics | Yakubu A., Salako A.E., Ige A.O. | 2007 | International Journal of Poultry Science | 6 | 6 | None | Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke, Akintola University of | Yakubu, A., Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, P.M.B. 135, Lafia, Nigeria; Salako, A.E., Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ige, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Ladoke, Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria | An experiment was designed to study the effects of genotype and housing system on the performance of two commercial layers, Bovans Brown and Lohmann Brown in the hot-dry and wet seasons in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Six hundred, 27 week-old layers were used. One hundred and fifty birds of each strain were randomly assigned to the battery cage system, while another one hundred and fifty birds of each strain were managed on deep litter. The observation for the hot-dry and wet seasons lasted 2 months each respectively in the year 2004. Body weight, hen-housed egg production, egg weight and mortality rate were significantly better in Lohmann Brown than Bovans Brown (1.75±0.01kg vs. 1.69±0.01kg, 74.50±0.84% vs. 68.72±0.86%, 53.70±0.24g vs. 52.43±0.26g, 0.58±0.09% vs. 1.20±0.15%; p<0.05). Birds in cages were superior to those on deep litter in terms of hen-housed egg production, egg weight and mortality (74.06±0.75% vs. 69.16±1.02%, 53.40±0.24g vs. 52.73±0.29g, 0.68±0.10% vs. 1.10±0.15%; p<0.05). Generally, birds performed better in the wet than hot-dry season in body weight, hen-housed egg production, feed intake, egg weight, egg cracks and mortality (1.76±0.01kg vs. 1.68±0.01kg, 74.92±0.74% vs. 68.30±0.86%, 98.51±0.50g vs. 90.90±0.23g, 53.92±0.18g vs. 52.22±0.27g, 1.99±0.23% vs.5.12±0.39%, 0.55±0.08% vs. 1.22±0.15%; p<0.05). The interactions between genotypexhousing system, genotypexseason and housing systemxseason produced significant results. Proper housing design, provision of quality and adequate feeds and proper timing of the laying period were recommended. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2007. | Exotic strains; Interaction; Management system; Performance parameters; Season | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894287984 | Evaluation of three mathematical functions to describe the relationship between body weight, body condition and testicular dimensions in yankasa sheep [Evaluación de tres funciones matemáticas para describir la relación entre peso corporal, condición corp | Yakubu A., Musa-Azara I.S. | 2013 | International Journal of Morphology | 31 | 4 | 10.4067/S0717-95022013000400036 | Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria | Yakubu, A., Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria; Musa-Azara, I.S., Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria | Body size and testicular measurements have been found to be important parameters utilized in breeding soundness evaluation. The present study therefore, aimed at determining the relationship between body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), testicular length (TL), testicular diameter (TD) and scrotal circumference (SC) in 120 extensively reared Yankasa rams (approximately 30 months old) using linear, quadratic and cubic predictive models. Coefficient of determination (R2), Adjusted R2, the estimate of Mallows' Cp, RMSE (Root mean squares error) and the parsimony principle (p=number of parameters) were used to compare the efficiency of the different models. Strong Pearson's correlation coefficients (r = 0.83-0.94; P<0.01) were found between BW, TL, TD and SC. Spearman correlations between BCS and other variables were also highly significant (r = 0.78-0.85; P<0.01). SC was the sole variable of utmost importance in estimating BW, which was best predicted using the cubic model. However, the optimal model for BW prediction comprised TD, SC and BCS with p, R2, Adjusted R2, RMSE and Cp values of 4, 0.948, 0.946, 1.673 and 4.85, respectively. The present findings could be exploited in husbandry and selection of breeding stock for sustainable sheep production especially within the resource-poor farming system under tropical and subtropical conditions. | Body condition; Body size; Rams; Regression models; Testicular measurements | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930826059 | Cosmological performance of SKA HI galaxy surveys | Yahya S., Bull P., Santos M.G., Silva M., Maartens R., Okouma P., Bassett B. | 2015 | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society | 450 | 3 | 10.1093/mnras/stv695 | Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, Oslo, Norway; SKA South Africa, The Park, Park Road, Cape Town, South Africa; CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | Yahya, S., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa; Bull, P., Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, PO Box 1029 Blindern, Oslo, Norway; Santos, M.G., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, SKA South Africa, The Park, Park Road, Cape Town, South Africa, CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Silva, M., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, CENTRA, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Maartens, R., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Okouma, P., Physics Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bassett, B., African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa | The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will conduct the biggest spectroscopic galaxy survey ever, by detecting the 21 cm emission line of neutral hydrogen (H I) from around a billion galaxies over 3/4 of the sky, out to a redshift of z ~ 2. This will allow the redshift-space matter power spectrum, and corresponding dark energy observables, to be measured with unprecedented precision. In this paper, we present an improved model of the HI galaxy number counts and bias from semi-analytic simulations, and use it to calculate the expected yield of HI galaxies from surveys with a variety of Phase 1 and 2 SKA configurations. We illustrate the relative performance of the different surveys by forecasting errors on the radial and transverse scales of the baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) feature, finding that the full 'billion galaxy survey' with SKA2 will deliver the largest dark energy Figure of Merit of any current or future large-scale structure survey. © 2015 The Authors. | Dark energy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73949140661 | 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-s2.0-84902517279 | Evaluation of different adsorbents for copper removal from cobalt electrolyte | Yahorava V., Kotze M., Auerswald D. | 2014 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 114 | 5 | None | Mintek, South Africa; TENOVA Bateman Africa, South Africa | Yahorava, V., Mintek, South Africa; Kotze, M., Mintek, South Africa; Auerswald, D., TENOVA Bateman Africa, South Africa | Ion exchange is considered to be an effective technology for the removal of various impurities from cobalt advance electrolytes. With the correct choice of resin, ion exchange can consistently remove the required impurities to the levels for the production of high-grade cobalt metal. Although ion exchange was in the past used primarily for nickel removal, more recently it has been also considered for the removal of copper, zinc, and cadmium. Generally, granular ion exchange products are used, but Mintek is currently evaluating ion exchange fibres for a number of applications, including the removal of copper from cobalt advance electrolytes. Fibrous ion exchangers have major advantages compared to granular resins in that they have significantly higher reaction rates, and wash water volumes could be limited. Granular and fibrous ion exchangers were evaluated and compared for the removal of copper from cobalt advance electrolyte. A synthetic electrolyte containing 50 g/L cobalt and 50 mg/L copper was used for the test work. Equilibrium isotherms, mini-column tests, and split elution tests were done. The results were used to size a full-scale operation to treat 100 m3/h of electrolyte. The potential cobalt losses or recycle requirements were estimated, and data to calculate indicative operating costs for each adsorbent was generated. This information was used for a techno-economic comparison of granular and fibrous ion exchange systems for the removal of copper from cobalt advance electrolyte. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2014. | Cobalt electrolyte; Copper; Impurity removal; Ion exchange | Adsorbents; Cobalt; Copper; Electrolytes; Impurities; Ion exchange; Ion exchangers; Resins; Copper removal; Equilibrium isotherms; Fibrous ion exchangers; Full-scale operation; Granular resins; Impurity removal; Ion exchange systems; Techno-economic comparisons; Removal | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649989738 | Evaluation of water poverty index in Ondo State, Nigeria | Yahaya O., Akinro A.O., Mogaji Kehinde O., Ologunagba B. | 2009 | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 4 | 10 | None | Right Foundation Academy, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria; Department of Agricultural Enginee | Yahaya, O., Right Foundation Academy, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria; Akinro, A.O., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Mogaji Kehinde, O., Department of Civil Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria; Ologunagba, B., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria | An increasing world population exerts a continually growing demand on usable freshwater resource and matching the demand with supply of safe drinking water has resulted to serious social-economic constraints. Time and drudgery involved to access safe drinking resulted to loss of human capital, thus affects nearly every household activity. This paper focuses on the evaluation of Water Poverty Index (WPI) as an integrated tool veritable for all the local government areas in Ondo State of Nigeria to address their water sector. Simple time analysis and composite index approaches were employed to compute WPI values in all the sampled areas. Variables such as water resource, access to safe water, use of water and environmental impacts were considered. The ranking of WPI values from the two approaches shows that Ese-Odo is the most water-stressed with least WPI values of 10.1 points (composite index) and highest value of 1.4 minsl-1 (simple time analysis), while Owo, Ondo-West and Ose local government areas are less water stressed with WPI values of 0.55 minsl-1, 17.8; 0.53 minsl-1, 16.2; and 0.5 minsl-1, 17.1 respectively. The results obtained indicate that constructive investment in water and sanitation improves Human Development Index (HDI). However, this paper concludes that to prevent the occurrence of virtual water situation and improve water supply, researches of this nature should be conducted from time to time and government at all levels should holistically address the problem. © 2006-2009 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). | Access; Dry; Ese-Odo; Freshwater; Household; Season; Water poverty index; Water stress; Wet | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940577071 | Evaluation of residual stress in stainless steel 316L and Ti6Al4V samples produced by selective laser melting | Yadroitsev I., Yadroitsava I. | 2015 | Virtual and Physical Prototyping | 10 | 2 | 10.1080/17452759.2015.1026045 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa | Yadroitsev, I., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa; Yadroitsava, I., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa | Selective laser melting (SLM) has great potential in additive manufacturing because it enables the production of full-density complex parts with the desired inner structure and surface morphology. High temperature gradients as a result of the locally concentrated energy input lead to residual stresses, crack formation and part deformation during processing or after separation from the supports and the substrate. In this study, an X-ray diffraction technique and numerical simulation were used for investigating the residual stress in SLM samples fabricated from stainless steel 316L and Ti6Al4V alloy. Conclusions regarding directions and values of stresses in SLM objects are given. © 2015 Taylor & Francis. | numerical simulation; residual stress; selective laser melting; stainless steel; titanium alloy | 3D printers; Alloy steel; Computer simulation; Melting; Numerical models; Residual stresses; Titanium alloys; X ray diffraction; Additive Manufacturing; Energy inputs; High temperature gradient; Inner structure; Selective laser melting; Stainless steel 316L; Ti-6Al-4V alloy; X-ray diffraction techniques; Stainless steel | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904599779 | Electrochemical and quantum chemical studies on adsorption and corrosion inhibition performance of quinoline-thiazole derivatives on mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution | Yadav M., Kumar S., Behera D., Bahadur I., Ramjugernath D. | 2014 | International Journal of Electrochemical Science | 9 | 9 | None | Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | Yadav, M., Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Kumar, S., Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Behera, D., Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826004, India; Bahadur, I., Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa; Ramjugernath, D., Thermodynamics Research Unit, School of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, King George V Avenue, Durban, 4041, South Africa | In the present study two quinoline-thiazole derivatives namely, {4-[1-aza-2-(phenyl)vinyl]-3-phenyl-2-thioxo(1,3-thiazoline-5-yl)}-N-[1-aza-2-(2-chloro(3-quinolyl))vinyl] (Inh I) and {4-[1-aza-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)vinyl]-3-phenyl-2-thioxo(1,3-thiazoline-5-yl)}-N-[1-aza-2-(2 chloro (3-quinolyl))vinyl] (Inh II) were synthesized and investigated as an inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in 15% HCl solution by using weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The inhibitors Inh I and Inh II show corrosion inhibition efficiencies of 81.5% and 84.0% at a 20 ppm concentration and 95.0% and 96.3% at a 200 ppm concentration, respectively, at 333 K. It was found that the inhibition efficiency of both the inhibitors increases with an increase in temperature and concentration of inhibitors. Polarization studies show that both the studied inhibitors are of mixed type in nature. The adsorption of inhibitors on the mild steel surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed for the surface study of uninhibited and inhibited mild steel samples. The semi-empirical AM1 method was employed for theoretical calculations. © 2014 The Authors. | Corrosion inhibition; EIS; Hydrochloric acid; Mild steel; Quantum chemical studies; Quinoline-thiazole derivatives | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053928593 | Field evaluation of Ugandan sweetpotato germplasm for yield, dry matter and disease resistance | Yada B., Tukamuhabwa P., Alajo A., Mwanga R.O.M. | 2011 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 28 | 2 | None | National Agricultural Research Organization, National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, P.O. Box, 7084 Kampala, Uganda; Department of Crop Science, Makerere University, P.O. Box, 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Yada, B., National Agricultural Research Organization, National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, P.O. Box, 7084 Kampala, Uganda, Department of Crop Science, Makerere University, P.O. Box, 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Tukamuhabwa, P., Department of Crop Science, Makerere University, P.O. Box, 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Alajo, A., National Agricultural Research Organization, National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, P.O. Box, 7084 Kampala, Uganda; Mwanga, R.O.M., National Agricultural Research Organization, National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, P.O. Box, 7084 Kampala, Uganda | A total of 946 morphologically distinct accessions of sweetpotato {Ipomoea batatas [L] Lam) germplasm collected from Uganda were evaluated along with four released cultivars for root yield, dry matter, sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) and Alternaria bataticola blight disease resistance for two seasons; 2005B (September 2005 to January 2006) and 2006A (April to August 2006) at three sites for selection of superior genotypes. The genotypes differed significantly in yield, dry matter content, SPVD and Alternaria blight resistance (p=0.05). Genotype SPVD severity ranged from 1.0 to 5.0 with an overall mean of 2.6. Alternaria severity scores ranged from 1.0 to 5.0 with an overall mean of 2.2. Total root yields ranged from 0.0 to 52.5 t ha -1 with an overall average of 20.3 t ha -1. Most genotypes had mean total root yields of less than 15.0 t ha -1, low specific gravity values of less than 2.0, and low disease resistance. A positive correlation was observed between SPVD and Alternaria blight (r=0.33), while both diseases were negatively correlated with yield traits. A total of 192 superior genotypes were selected for further evaluation and use for variety development in hybridization schemes. | Alternaria bataticola; Blight; Ipomoea batatas; Specific gravity; SPVD | crop yield; cultivar; disease resistance; disease severity; dry matter; fieldwork; fungal disease; genotype; germplasm; hybridization; morphology; seasonality; yam; Uganda; Alternaria; Alternaria bataticola; Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40549098988 | Evaluation of the performance of HIV1 & 2 one-step self-test kit for detection of HIV infection in whole human blood, serum or plasma samples | Ya'aba Y., Mohammed S.B., Oladepo D.K., Odama L.E., Ibrahim K., Izebe K.S., Abdulrahim M.E., Isu N.R., Onoja A.J., Matur M.B., Balogun O.O., Usoroh M., Inyang U.S. | 2007 | Journal of Phytomedicine and Therapeutics | 12 | None | None | Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria; African Health Project, Abuja, Niger | Ya'aba, Y., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Mohammed, S.B., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Oladepo, D.K., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Odama, L.E., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Ibrahim, K., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Izebe, K.S., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Abdulrahim, M.E., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Isu, N.R., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria; Onoja, A.J., African Health Project, Abuja, Nigeria; Matur, M.B., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria; Balogun, O.O., HIV Vaccine Trial Unit, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria; Usoroh, M., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria; Inyang, U.S., Department of Microbiology, Human Virology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu-Abuja, Nigeria | Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is cause by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is an enveloped RNA virus belonging to the family of retroviruses responsible for destroying the human immune defence system. HIV antibody testing is critical for the diagnosis and counselling of HIV-infected persons, monitoring of trends in HIV prevalence, and evaluation of the effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes. Serological tests to detect antibodies to HIV became available in 1985, and since then more kits for this test are still being produced. A total of 500 positive and 500 negative samples were screened for HIV antibodies using Genie II HIV 1 & 2(BIO-RAD; 3, Boulevard Raymond Poincare 92430 MARNES LA COQUETTE- FRANCE) and SeroCard™ HIV 1 & 2 Rapid (Trinity Biotech PLC; IDA Business Park Bray Co. Wicklow Ireland.) and were further confirmed using New Lav Blot 1 western blot kit (BIO-RAD; 3, Boulevard Raymond Poincare 92430 MARNES LA COQUETTE- FRANCE). These samples were screened using the HIV1 & 2 one-step self-test kit (Bremancos Diagnostics Inc. BDI with lot Number 0141503) to evaluate its performance. Whole blood, serum or plasma was used for the evaluation. Sensitivity of 99.2% and specificity of 99.8% were observed from the three sets of tests conducted while positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.99 and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.99 each were calculated. The HIV 1 & 2 one-step-self test kit compared well with Genie II HIV1 & 2 kit and western blot kit for detecting HIV antibodies in patient's samples. Whole blood, plasma or serum can be used for the screening and easy for self test. | AIDS; Genie II HIV1 &2; HIV; HIV1 & 2 one-step-self test; New Lav blot 1; SeroCard™ HIV 1&2 rapid | Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; article; blood analysis; controlled study; counseling; diagnostic kit; diagnostic procedure; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nonhuman; plasma; self evaluation; sensitivity and specificity; serology; serum; Western blotting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-30644458223 | Understanding the impact of eliminating user fees: Utilization and catastrophic health expenditures in Uganda | Xu K., Evans D.B., Kadama P., Nabyonga J., Ogwal P.O., Nabukhonzo P., Aguilar A.M. | 2006 | Social Science and Medicine | 62 | 4 | 10.1016/j.socscimed.2005.07.004 | World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; WHO Office, Uganda; Ministry of Health, Uganda; Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda | Xu, K., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Evans, D.B., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Kadama, P., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Nabyonga, J., WHO Office, Uganda; Ogwal, P.O., Ministry of Health, Uganda; Nabukhonzo, P., Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda; Aguilar, A.M., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | There is currently considerable discussion between governments, international agencies, bilateral donors and advocacy groups on whether user fees levied at government health facilities in poor countries should be abolished. It is claimed that this would lead to greater access for the poor and reduce the risks of catastrophic health expenditures if all other factors remained constant, though other factors rarely remain constant in practice. Accordingly, it is important to understand what has actually happened when user fees have been abolished, and why. All fees at first level government health facilities in Uganda were removed in March 2001. This study explores the impact on health service utilization and catastrophic health expenditures using data from National Household Surveys undertaken in 1997, 2000 and 2003. Utilization increased for the non-poor, but at a lower rate than it had in the period immediately before fees were abolished. Utilization among the poor increased much more rapidly after the abolition of fees than beforehand. Unexpectedly, the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure among the poor did not fall. The most likely explanation is that frequent unavailability of drugs at government facilities after 2001 forced patients to purchase from private pharmacies. Informal payments to health workers may also have increased to offset the lost revenue from fees. Countries thinking of removing user charges should first examine what types of activities and inputs at the facility level are funded from the revenue collected by fees, and then develop mechanisms to ensure that these activities can be sustained subsequently. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Catastrophic expenditure; Service utilization; Uganda; User charges | health and disease; article; clinical pharmacy; health care cost; health care facility; health care personnel; health care utilization; incidence; mathematical analysis; risk reduction; Uganda; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Catastrophic Illness; Child; Child, Preschool; Community Health Centers; Developing Countries; Fees and Charges; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Expenditures; Health Policy; Health Services Research; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Incidence; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Poverty; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79961169658 | Impact of temperature and precipitation on propagation of intestinal schistosomiasis in an irrigated region in Ethiopia: Suitability of satellite datasets | Xue Z., Gebremichael M., Ahmad R., Weldu M.L., Bagtzoglou A.C. | 2011 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 16 | 9 | 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02820.x | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Xue, Z., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Gebremichael, M., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Ahmad, R., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States; Weldu, M.L., Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Bagtzoglou, A.C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States | Objective To assess the suitability of satellite temperature and precipitation datasets for investigating the dependence of Schistosoma mansoni disease transmission on meteorological conditions in an irrigated agricultural region in Ethiopia. Methods Data used were monthly number of patients infected with S. mansoni and seeking treatment at the local hospital, monthly maximum air temperature from a local weather station, monthly average land surface temperature from MODIS satellite data, monthly total precipitation from a local rain gauge and precipitation estimates from four widely used satellite products, namely, TMPA 3B42RT, TMPA 3B42, CMORPH and PERSIANN. The number of patients was used as proxy for vector abundance. Results Temperature and precipitation play a role in the transmission of S. mansoni disease. There is a weak but significant positive correlation between monthly maximum air temperature derived from a meteorological station (or average land surface temperature derived from MODIS satellite product) and the number of patients in the same month. There is a significant negative correlation between monthly precipitation volume (derived from rain gauge or satellite data) and number of patients at lags of 1 and 2 months. Conclusion Satellite temperature and precipitation products provide useful information to understand and infer the relationship between meteorological conditions and S. mansoni prevalence. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Precipitation; Satellite; Schistosomiasis; Temperature | agricultural land; air temperature; data set; disease transmission; health impact; land surface; MODIS; precipitation (climatology); raingauge; satellite data; schistosomiasis; surface temperature; temperature effect; volume; weather station; adolescent; air temperature; article; child; correlation analysis; disease transmission; enteropathy; Ethiopia; female; human; irrigation (agriculture); major clinical study; male; meteorology; precipitation; preschool child; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis; school child; telecommunication; weather; Adult; Agricultural Irrigation; Animals; Climate; Ethiopia; Female; Fresh Water; Geographic Information Systems; Humans; Male; Rain; Rural Population; Satellite Communications; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Statistics, Nonparametric; Temperature; Topography, Medical; Ethiopia; Schistosoma mansoni | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957979922 | Autoreduction and Catalytic Performance of a Cobalt Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Catalyst Supported on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Spheres | Xiong H., Moyo M., Rayner M.K., Jewell L.L., Billing D.G., Coville N.J. | 2010 | ChemCatChem | 2 | 5 | 10.1002/cctc.200900309 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Xiong, H., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Moyo, M., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Rayner, M.K., School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Jewell, L.L., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Billing, D.G., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Coville, N.J., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | [No abstract available] | Autoreduction; Carbon; Cobalt; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Supported catalysts | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551502528 | Correlating the preparation and performance of cobalt catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes and carbon spheres in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis | Xiong H., Motchelaho M.A.M., Moyo M., Jewell L.L., Coville N.J. | 2011 | Journal of Catalysis | 278 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jcat.2010.11.010 | DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Xiong, H., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Motchelaho, M.A.M., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Moyo, M., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Jewell, L.L., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Coville, N.J., DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | A series of Co catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon spheres (CSs) with different cobalt particle sizes (3-45 nm) were prepared by different methods and using different cobalt precursors. The Co/CNTs and Co/CSs can be autoreduced by the supports in N2 at ca. 480 °C; they show better Fischer-Tropsch performance than those reduced in H2 when the reduction T > 400 °C. The turnover frequency (TOF) value for both Co/CNT and Co/CS was constant for cobalt particles above 10 nm and decreased sharply for the cobalt catalysts with smaller cobalt particles. Remarkably, the TOF for 11 catalysts prepared using different precursors and preparation methods on two different carbon supports depends only on particle size. Finally, a positive relationship was observed between cobalt particle size and C5+ selectivity for both Co/CNT and Co/CS catalysts. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | Autoreduction; Carbon nanotubes; Carbon spheres; Cobalt catalysts; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Particle size; Selectivity; Turnover frequency | Autoreduction; Carbon spheres; Cobalt catalysts; Selectivity; Turnover frequency; Carbon nanotubes; Catalyst selectivity; Cobalt; Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; Particle size; Spheres; Catalyst supports | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84958550682 | Novel computational intelligence for optimizing cyber physical pre-evaluation system | Xing B. | 2014 | Studies in Computational Intelligence | 540 | None | 10.1007/978-981-4585-36-1_15 | Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Xing, B., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Owing to the quality heterogeneity of returned used products, firms engaged in re-manufacturing activities are obliged to employ 100 % inspection of these products to evaluate their quality and suitability for re-manufacturing. In addition to visual inspection, a recent tendency is to use data recorded in electronic devices (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID)) implanted in the products. In this way, information is obtained quickly without the need for complete (and expensive) product disassembly. Nevertheless, making sense of RFID data in a complex cyber physical system (CPS) environment (which involves such as cloud computing for used product life cycle information retrieval and physically used products scanning) is a complex task. For instance, if an RFID readers fails, there may be missing values exist. The purpose of this chapter is to employ two computational intelligence (CI) optimization methods which can improve the reliability of such inspection process. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore. | Cyber physical pre-evaluation system; Firefly algorithm; Radio frequency identification; Re-manufacturability; Reliability-redundancy allocation problem; Teaching-learning- based optimization | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877351763 | Effects of creatine monohydrate on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of yellow-feathered broilers | Xia W.G., Abdullahi A.Y., Zuo J.J., Chen L., Feng D.Y. | 2012 | Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances | 11 | 23 | 10.3923/javaa.2012.4382.4388 | College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B. 3244, Kano, Nigeria | Xia, W.G., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Abdullahi, A.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China, Department of Animal Science, Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil, P.M.B. 3244, Kano, Nigeria; Zuo, J.J., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Chen, L., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China; Feng, D.Y., College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China | Nine hundred, 42 days old male yellow-feathered broilers were used to evaluate the effects of Creatine Monohydrate (CMH) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. The birds received either a no-CMH diet (0 mg kg"1) a low (250 mg kg"1), a moderate (500 mg kg"1) or a high-CMH diet (1000 mg kg"1) for 21 days. CMH supplementation did not affect the average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake or feed efficiency. Additionally no significant differences were discovered in the dressing, eviscerated, breast muscle or thigh muscle percentage. However, there was a decreasing trend in the pH values of the pectoralis major at 24 h postmortem and of the thigh muscle at 45 mm postmortem as the level of CMH supplementation increased. No significant difference was observed in cooking loss, shear force value, moisture or crude protein percentages. However, supplementing with CMH increased the slow-twitch red and the fast-twitch white fiber ratio in the gastrocnemius muscles. The results suggested that CMH supplementation has no effect on growth performance or carcass characteristics but it potentially triggered a transition from fast-twitch red muscle fibers to slow-twitch red and fast-twitch white muscle fibers. © Medwell Journals, 2012. | Broiler; Carcass characteristics; Creatine; Growth performance; Meat quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84935875127 | A program evaluation report of a rapid scale-up of a high-volume medical male circumcision site, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2010-2013 Health systems and services in low and middle income settings | Wynn A., Bristow C.C., Ross D., Schenker I., Klausner J.D. | 2015 | BMC Health Services Research | 15 | 1 | 10.1186/s12913-015-0904-2 | Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; St Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill KZN, Johannesburg, South Africa; Operation Abraham Collaborative, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Epidemiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 9911 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, United States | Wynn, A., Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Bristow, C.C., Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Ross, D., St Mary's Hospital, Mariannhill KZN, Johannesburg, South Africa; Schenker, I., Operation Abraham Collaborative, Jerusalem, Israel; Klausner, J.D., Department of Epidemiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 9911 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, United States | Background: Male circumcision can provide life-long reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV infection. In South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health committed to rolling out circumcision programs to address the HIV epidemic. The Department of Health enlisted the help of St. Mary's Hospital in Mariannhill and the Operation Abraham Collaborative. Methods: St. Mary's Hospital and the Operation Abraham Collaborative partnered to establish a voluntary medical male circumcision facility, called Asiphile, and to train surgeons, nurses and health clinic staff to serve KwaZulu-Natal. Results: Over the course of the implementation period, 9,980 circumcisions were conducted at the Asiphile facility. The uptake numbers increased throughout 2010 and 2011 and began to level off as the demand of early adopters may have been met. Uptake spiked during school vacations and staff training sessions. Additionally, 92 % of clients returned for post-operation follow-up and only 2 % of clients experienced any adverse event. Conclusion: St. Mary's Hospital and the Operation Abraham Collaborative were able to cooperate and successfully implement a voluntary medical male circumcision facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Although uptake was lower than projected, lessons learned from efforts to overcome challenges in recruitment, transportation, and coordination can help inform and improve new and existing population-based male circumcision programs. © 2015 Wynn et al. | AIDS; HIV; Male circumcision; South Africa; Uptake | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939442407 | Impact of mathematics and physical science on the success of South African engineering technology students | Wyk B.V., Hofman W., Louw I. | 2015 | International Journal of Engineering Education | 31 | 4 | None | Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Department of Education Innovation, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Wyk, B.V., Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Hofman, W., Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Louw, I., Department of Education Innovation, University of Pretoria, South Africa | The general conclusion arrived at in the literature is that the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) is not a reliable predictor of academic success at traditional universities. By sharing research undertaken at a South African University of Technology (UoT) on the impact of individual cognitive factors and NSCresults on study success, this paper shows that this conclusion is not necessarily true for South African UoT Engineering students. To assess this impact and determine the readiness of students for UoT Engineering curricula, the relationship between pre-university academic factors and the success of engineering students was investigated. An ex post facto study was carried out on a sample of 416 students drawn from first-time-entering National Diploma engineering student cohorts of 2009 and 2010 to determine a possible correlation between their NSC results, additional pre-admission test results and the number of subjects passed after one year and four years of study, respectively. The findings indicated thatNSC Mathematics and Physical Science are statistically the most significant predictors of success in the first year. Despite the pre-admission tests used in this study not revealing significantly more about a student's potential than only the final NSC results, the conclusion reached by the researchers was that such tests might be useful when student application data is unreliable, i.e. when students apply with Grade 11 or interim Grade 12 results. © 2015 TEMPUS Publications. | Admission testing; Cognitive factors; Engineering curricula; First-year success; National Senior Certificate; Student dropout | Curricula; Education; Professional aspects; Students; Application data; Cognitive factors; Engineering curriculum; Engineering technology students; First year; National Senior Certificate; Physical science; Traditional universities; Engineering education | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22944465096 | Snow impact on groundwater recharge in Table Mountain Group aquifer systems with a case study of the Kommissiekraal River catchment South Africa | Wu Y., Xu Y. | 2005 | Water SA | 31 | 3 | None | Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Wu, Y., Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Xu, Y., Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Snowmelt in the mountainous areas of the Table Mountain Group (TMG) in South Africa is believed to be one of sources of groundwater recharge in some winter seasons. This paper provides a scientific assessment of snow impact on groundwater recharge in Table Mountain Group Aquifer Systems for the first time. Snowfall periodically occurs on the highest mountain ranges of about 1 000 to 1 200 m above mean sea level (a.m.s.l) in the TMG area. Snow over the mountainous catchments is often observed on the gentle side of the slope, which is substantially affected by wind and vegetation. Based on climatic analysis, recharge processes and Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) images, the recharge areas influenced by snowmelt in the TMG are identified as those catchments that are located above 1 000 m a.m.s.l. Physical processes within the snowpack are very complex involving mass and energy balances as well as heat and mass transport. Snowmelt rate was calculated using a variable degree-day melt factor determined as a function of snowpack density and vegetation cover. The hourly snowmelt rates estimated with different new snow density models. Groundwater recharge from snowmelt is affected by snowmelt mechanisms and local recharge conditions. The recharge rate is constrained by characteristics of the fractures rather than snowmelt rate. Recharge is also discounted due to prevailing interflow occurring in favourite geomorphological locations. This hypothesis is confirmed by an infiltration experiment in which up to 13.6% of the infiltrating water can recharge the aquifer. The estimated snowmelt recharge in the Kommissiekraal River catchment in the Villiersdorp of South Africa ranges from 14.1 ℓ·s-1 to 15.0 ℓ·s -1. | ETM image; Kommissiekraal River catchment; Recharge; Snowmelt; TMG | Aquifers; Geomorphology; Heat transfer; Mass transfer; Rivers; Snow; Vegetation; Wind; Enhanced thematic mapper (ETM) images; Snow density; South Africa; Table mountain group (TMG); Groundwater; groundwater; infiltration; recharge; snowmelt; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881296638 | The performance of mixture refrigerant R134a/R152a in a novel gas engine-driven heat pump system | Wu X., Yang Z., Liu H., Huan Z., Wang W. | 2014 | International Journal of Green Energy | 11 | 1 | 10.1080/15435075.2013.769877 | School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pretoria Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa | Wu, X., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Yang, Z., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Liu, H., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China; Huan, Z., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pretoria Campus, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Wang, W., School of Mechanical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Low and Medium Grade Energy, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin,300072, China | In the present article, a novel gas engine-driven heat pump (GEHP) which could independently provide heating, cooling, and hot water for the buildings with its autonomous power supply system was presented, and the cooling performance characteristics of GEHP using mixture refrigerant R134a/R152a were investigated experimentally. The thermophysical properties and flammability of this proposed mixture refrigerant were analyzed and experimented to approve that it could be used safely in GEHP. The experimental results indicated that the cooling capacity, waste heat recovered from cylinder jacket and exhaust gas, gas engine energy consumption, and compressor power increased with the increase of the gas engine speeds and evaporator water inlet flow rate, but changed in a small range with the increase of the evaporator water inlet temperature except cooling capacity. The generator power remained about 4.90 kW in different operating conditions. Furthermore, the coefficient of performance (COP) and the primary energy ratio (PER) of GEHP also increased with the increase of the evaporator water inlet flow rate and temperature, but decreased with the increase of gas engine speeds. Finally, maximum COP and PER with mixture refrigerant R134a/R152a has been estimated with 8.88 and 1.69 in the aforementioned conditions. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | Flammability limits; Gas engine-driven heat pump; Operating characteristics; Primary energy ratio; R134a/R152a | Flammability limits; Gas engine driven heat pumps; Operating characteristics; Primary energy ratios; R134a/R152a; Cooling; Cooling systems; Electric power systems; Energy utilization; Evaporators; Flow rate; Gas engines; Inlet flow; Mixtures; Refrigerants; Speed; Thermodynamic properties; Waste heat; Heat pump systems; cooling; electronic equipment; energy use; performance assessment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846467223 | Comparison of the direct enzyme assay method with the membrane filtration technique in the quantification and monitoring of microbial indicator organisms - Seasonal variations in the activities of coliforms and E. coli, temperature and pH | Wutor V.C., Togo C.A., Pletschke B.I. | 2007 | Water SA | 33 | 1 | None | Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Wutor, V.C., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Togo, C.A., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Pletschke, B.I., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | The aim of this project was to monitor variations and relationships between coliform and E. coli counts, the activities of their marker enzymes GAL and GUD, and temperature and pH over a period of 12 months in river samples obtained from the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Several polluted water samples were collected for direct coliform β-D-galactosidase (B-GAL) and Escherichia coli β-D-glucuronidase (B-GUD) assays and the membrane filtration technique. While all the samples showed enzyme activities, not all exhibited growth on CM1046 media. Variation in B-GAL activity (40%) was observed between November (highest activity month) and May (lowest activity month). The highest and lowest B-GUD activities were observed in the months of September and May/June, respectively. The sensitivity of the spectrophotometric assay method was indicated by a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 coliform forming unit (CFU)/100 mℓ and 2 CFU/100 mℓ for coliforms and E. coli, respectively. There was a significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between E. coli counts and GUD activity (R2 = 0.8909). A correlation of R2 = 0.9151 was also observed between total coliforms and B-GAL activity, even though the CFUs were not evenly distributed. Direct enzyme assays were also shown to be more sensitive than the membrane filtration (MF) technique. | Chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG); Chlorophenol red (CPR); Coliforms; E. coli; p-nitrophenyl (PNP); p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucuronide (PNPG) | Correlation methods; Enzymes; Escherichia coli; Filtration; pH effects; Chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG); Chlorophenol red (CPR); P-nitrophenyl (PNP); p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucuronide (PNPG); Biomarkers; Biomarkers; Correlation methods; Enzymes; Escherichia coli; Filtration; pH effects; bacterium; bioassay; bioindicator; comparative study; enzyme activity; monitoring; river pollution; seasonal variation; Africa; Eastern Cape; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Escherichia coli | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76149107192 | Evaluation of embedded discontinuity method for finite element analysis of cracking of hot-mix asphalt concrete | Wu R., Denneman E., Harvey J. | 2009 | Transportation Research Record | None | 2127 | 10.3141/2127-10 | University of California, Pavement Research Center, Building 452, 1353 South 46th Street, Richmond, CA 94804, United States; CSIR, Built Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Pavement Research Center, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States | Wu, R., University of California, Pavement Research Center, Building 452, 1353 South 46th Street, Richmond, CA 94804, United States; Denneman, E., CSIR, Built Environment, P.O. Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Harvey, J., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Pavement Research Center, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States | Cracking is a major source of distress in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Various approaches have been proposed to describe crack initiation and propagation in HMA. This paper evaluates a finite element analysis technique that uses the embedded discontinuity method (EDM) for model cracking. The purpose of this study is to identify the strengths and potential weaknesses of the approach and investigate its applicability in general crack simulation for HMA pavements. An alternative formulation of EDM is adopted to make the approach easier to understand. The cohesive-crack model is used to describe development of HMA cracking. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the ability of EDM to simulate uniaxial-tension, three-point bending, and semicircular beam bending tests. It is shown that EDM is a promising finite element analysis technique, but additional research is needed to make it more robust. | None | Beam bending; Crack initiation and propagation; Crack model; Embedded discontinuity; Finite element analysis; Hot mix asphalt; Hot-mix asphalt concretes; Numerical example; Three point bending; Asphalt; Bending tests; Crack initiation; Cracking (chemical); Cracks; Electric dipole moments; Electric discharge machining; Micromachining; Pavements; Finite element method | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955328501 | Building a palliative care program in ethiopia: The impact on HIV and AIDS patients and their families | Wube M., Horne C.J., Stuer F. | 2010 | Journal of Pain and Symptom Management | 40 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.04.003 | Family Health International, Ethiopia; Family Health International, 339 Hilda Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0083, South Africa | Wube, M., Family Health International, Ethiopia; Horne, C.J., Family Health International, 339 Hilda Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0083, South Africa; Stuer, F., Family Health International, Ethiopia | Home- and community-based care in Ethiopia implements palliative care through the continuum of care in 14 major cities with links to local health facilities. Community support through traditional burial societies (idirs) makes it possible for the program to provide holistic care to people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their family members. The program has been shown to 1) reduce stigma and discrimination of PLHIV and vulnerable children, 2) increase acceptance and use of voluntary testing and counseling for HIV, 3) improve PLHIV health and well-being, 4) improve household economic conditions of PLHIV, orphans and vulnerable children, and other beneficiaries, and 5) increase community support by idirs. © 2010 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. | Community care; Ethiopia; HIV and AIDS; Home-based care; Idirs; Palliative care | antiretrovirus agent; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS patient; article; community care; economic aspect; Ethiopia; family assessment; family centered care; health care access; health care facility; health care planning; health program; holistic care; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nursing care; orphaned child; outcome assessment; palliative therapy; patient attitude; patient compliance; patient counseling; patient education; quality of life; social discrimination; social support; stigma; wellbeing; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; family; HIV Infections; palliative therapy; patient; treatment outcome; trends; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Ethiopia; Family; Health Plan Implementation; HIV Infections; Humans; Palliative Care; Patients; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922810556 | Impact of contextualized pediatric resuscitation training on pediatric healthcare providers in Botswana | Wright S.W., Steenhoff A.P., Elci O., Wolfe H.A., Ralston M., Kgosiesele T., Makone I., Mazhani L., Nadkarni V.M., Meaney P.A. | 2015 | Resuscitation | 88 | None | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2014.12.007 | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, 214 Independence Ave, Gaborone, Botswana; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Naval Hospital, 3475N Saratoga St, Oak Harbor, WA, United States; Clinical Services, Botswana Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; University of Botswana School of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana | Wright, S.W., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Steenhoff, A.P., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, 214 Independence Ave, Gaborone, Botswana, University of Botswana School of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana; Elci, O., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Wolfe, H.A., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Ralston, M., Naval Hospital, 3475N Saratoga St, Oak Harbor, WA, United States; Kgosiesele, T., Clinical Services, Botswana Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Makone, I., Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana; Mazhani, L., University of Botswana School of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana; Nadkarni, V.M., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Meaney, P.A., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, 214 Independence Ave, Gaborone, Botswana | Background: Worldwide, 6.6 million children die each year, partly due to a failure to recognize and treat acutely ill children. Programs that improve provider recognition and treatment initiation may improve child survival. Objectives: Describe provider characteristics and hospital resources during a contextualized pediatric resuscitation training program in Botswana and determine if training impacts provider knowledge retention. Design/methods: The American Heart Association's Pediatric Emergency Assessment Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) course was contextualized to Botswana resources and practice guidelines in this observational study. A cohort of facility-based nurses (FBN) was assessed prior to and 1-month following training. Survey tools assessed provider characteristics, cognitive knowledge and confidence and hospital pediatric resources. Data analysis utilized Fisher's exact, Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum and linear regression where appropriate. Results: 61 healthcare providers (89% FBNs, 11% physicians) successfully completed PEARS training. Referral facilities had more pediatric specific equipment and high-flow oxygen. Median frequency of pediatric resuscitation was higher in referral compared to district level FBN's (5 [3,10] vs. 2 [1,3] p=. 0.007). While 50% of FBN's had previous resuscitation training, none was pediatric specific. Median provider confidence improved significantly after training (3.8/5 vs. 4.7/5, p < 0.001), as did knowledge of correct management of acute pneumonia and diarrhea (44% vs. 100%, p < 0.001, 6% vs. 67%, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: FBN's in Botswana report frequent resuscitation of ill children but low baseline training. Provider knowledge for recognition and initial treatment of respiratory distress and shock is low. Contextualized training significantly increased FBN provider confidence and knowledge retention 1-month after training. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. | Developing countries; Emergency training, pediatric emergency training; PEARS; Pediatric emergency assessment recognition and stabilization; Resource-limited setting; Resuscitation education | Article; Botswana; child health care; diarrhea; health care facility; health care personnel; human; lobar pneumonia; medical education; medical society; observational study; patient referral; pediatric hospital; pediatric ward; practice guideline; priority journal; public hospital; respiratory distress; resuscitation; shock; tertiary care center; child; education; emergency; medical education; pediatrics; resuscitation; standards; Botswana; Child; Education, Medical; Emergencies; Health Personnel; Humans; Pediatrics; Resuscitation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865742272 | The impact of mothers' knowledge on the immunisation of children younger than five in ga-rankuwa, South Africa | Wright S.C.D., Maja T.M.M., Furaha S.A. | 2011 | Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | 13 | 2 | None | Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa | Wright, S.C.D., Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa; Maja, T.M.M., Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa; Furaha, S.A., Tshwane University of Technology, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing, South Africa | Routine immunisation at an appropriate age is the best means of averting vaccine-preventable diseases. Though the immunisation coverage rates for all nine provinces in South Africa are available, these are not available for smaller locations, such as Ga-Rankuwa, in the Gauteng province of South Africa (hereafter Gauteng). The main problem addressed by this study was the unavailability of immunisation coverage rate for Ga-Rankuwa, based on the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI). Information was also lacking about mothers' knowledge regarding immunisation and barriers they encountered to immunise their children younger than five. Data were gathered by direct observation of the Road-to-Health charts (n = 926) of children in Ga-Rankuwa. The mothers' knowledge levels were estimated by using structured interview schedules. Of the children, 46.1% (n = 426) missed one or more immunisations according to the schedule. The 60 month coverage rate was only 19.0%. Some mothers (59.8%) only used the Road-to-Health chart for the child's weight and 31.4% were unable to interpret the chart. Community-specific interventions, based on the evidence generated by the study, are urgently required to enhance the immunisation coverage in Ga-Rankuwa. © ISSN 1682-5055. | Children younger than five; Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI); Ga-Rankuwa; Immunisation coverage; Mothers' immunisation knowledge; Primary Health Care (PHC) | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857936999 | Impact of HLA-B*81-Associated Mutations in HIV-1 Gag on Viral Replication Capacity | Wright J.K., Naidoo V.L., Brumme Z.L., Prince J.L., Claiborne D.T., Goulder P.J.R., Brockman M.A., Hunter E., Ndung'u T. | 2012 | Journal of Virology | 86 | 6 | 10.1128/JVI.06682-11 | HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada; BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Paediatrics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Wright, J.K., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Naidoo, V.L., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Brumme, Z.L., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; Prince, J.L., Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Claiborne, D.T., Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Goulder, P.J.R., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Paediatrics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Brockman, M.A., Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada; Hunter, E., Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Ndung'u, T., HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States | HIV-1 attenuation resulting from immune escape mutations selected in Gag may contribute to slower disease progression in HIV-1-infected individuals expressing certain HLA class I alleles. We previously showed that the protective allele HLA-B*81 and the HLA-B*81-selected Gag T186S mutation are strongly associated with a lower viral replication capacity of recombinant viruses encoding Gag-protease derived from individuals chronically infected with HIV-1 subtype C. In the present study, we directly tested the effect of this mutation on viral replication capacity. In addition, we investigated potential compensatory effects of various polymorphisms, including other HLA-B*81-associated mutations that significantly covary with the T186S mutation. Mutations were introduced into a reference subtype B backbone and into patient-derived subtype C sequences in subtype B and C backbones by site-directed mutagenesis. The exponential-phase growth of mutant and wild-type viruses was assayed by flow cytometry of a green fluorescent protein reporter T cell line or by measurement of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity in culture supernatants. Engineering of the T186S mutation alone into all patient-derived subtype C sequences failed to yield replicationcompetent viruses, while in the subtype B sequence, the T186S mutation resulted in impaired replication capacity. Only the T186S mutation in combination with the T190I mutation yielded replication-competent viruses for all virus backbones tested; however, these constructs replicated slower than the wild type, suggesting that only partial compensation is mediated by the T190I mutation. Constructs encoding the T186S mutation in combination with other putative compensatory mutations were attenuated or defective. These results suggest that the T186S mutation is deleterious to HIV-1 subtype C replication and likely requires complex compensatory pathways, which may contribute to the clinical benefit associated with HLA-B*81. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. | None | Gag protein; green fluorescent protein; HLA B antigen; RNA directed DNA polymerase; article; carboxy terminal sequence; codon; flow cytometry; gene construct; gene frequency; gene mutation; genetic association; genetic polymorphism; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; mutational analysis; nonhuman; nucleotide sequence; priority journal; protein function; site directed mutagenesis; virus mutant; virus replication; wild type; Amino Acid Motifs; Cell Line; gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HLA-B Antigens; Humans; Mutation, Missense; Virus Replication; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Replication competent viruses | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74949138582 | Geologic columns for the ICDP-USGS Eyreville B core, Chesapeake Bay impact structure: Impactites and crystalline rocks, 1766 to 1096 m depth | Wright Horton Jr. J., Gibson R.L., Reimold W.U., Wittmann A., Gohn G.S., Edwards L.E. | 2009 | Special Paper of the Geological Society of America | 458 | None | 10.1130/2009.2458(02) | U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States; Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058-1113, United States | Wright Horton Jr., J., U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, P.O. Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa, Museum für Naturkunde-Leibniz Institute, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; Wittmann, A., Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058-1113, United States; Gohn, G.S., U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States; Edwards, L.E., U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192, United States | The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)-U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eyreville drill cores from the Chesapeake Bay impact structure provide one of the most complete geologic sections ever obtained from an impact structure. This paper presents a series of geologic columns and descriptive lithologic information for the lower impactite and crystalline-rock sections in the cores. The lowermost cored section (1766-1551 m depth) is a complex assemblage of mica schists that commonly contain graphite and fibrolitic sillimanite, intrusive granite pegmatites that grade into coarse granite, and local zones of mylonitic deformation. This basement-derived section is variably overprinted by brittle cataclastic fabrics and locally cut by dikes of polymict impact breccia, including several suevite dikes. An overlying succession of suevites and lithic impact breccias (1551-1397 m) includes a lower section dominated by polymict lithic impact breccia with blocks (up to 17 m) and boulders of cataclastic gneiss and an upper section (above 1474 m) of suevites and clast-rich impact melt rocks. The uppermost suevite is overlain by 26 m (1397-1371 m) of gravelly quartz sand that contains an amphibolite block and boulders of cataclasite and suevite. Above the sand, a 275-m-thick allochthonous granite slab (1371-1096 m) includes gneissic biotite granite, fine- and medium-to-coarse-grained biotite granites, and red altered granite near the base. The granite slab is overlain by more gravelly sand, and both are attributed to debris-avalanche and/or rockslide deposition that slightly preceded or accompanied seawater-resurge into the collapsing transient crater. © 2009 The Geological Society of America. | None | crater; crystalline rock; deformation; impact structure; impactite; lithology; pegmatite; Chesapeake Bay; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84959234942 | Malaria control at a gold mine in Sadiola District, Mali, and impact on transmission over 10 years | Wragge S.-E., Toure D., Coetzee M., Gilbert A., Christian R., Segoea G., Hunt R.H., Coetzee M. | 2015 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 109 | 12 | 10.1093/trstmh/trv089 | SEMOS Gold Mine, Health Department, Sadiola, Hamdallaye ACI 2000 pres' des Assurance LAFIA, B.P.E-1194, Bamako, Mali; Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, South Africa | Wragge, S.-E., SEMOS Gold Mine, Health Department, Sadiola, Hamdallaye ACI 2000 pres' des Assurance LAFIA, B.P.E-1194, Bamako, Mali; Toure, D., SEMOS Gold Mine, Health Department, Sadiola, Hamdallaye ACI 2000 pres' des Assurance LAFIA, B.P.E-1194, Bamako, Mali; Coetzee, M., SEMOS Gold Mine, Health Department, Sadiola, Hamdallaye ACI 2000 pres' des Assurance LAFIA, B.P.E-1194, Bamako, Mali; Gilbert, A., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, South Africa; Christian, R., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, South Africa; Segoea, G., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, South Africa; Hunt, R.H., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, South Africa; Coetzee, M., Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Private Bag X4, Sandringham, South Africa | Background: The SEMOS gold mine's malaria vector control programme forms part of the company's community responsibilities with the programme being managed by the mine's health department since 2005. Methods: Data from approximately 10 years of malaria vector control for the Sadiola District are given: namely malaria vector control methods used by the control programme, positive malaria case data and entomological surveys from 2006, 2011 and 2014. Results: Distribution of pyrethroid-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying (IRS) with deltamethrin were implemented by the programme from 2005-2011. No IRS was done in 2012. Spraying with the organophosphate, pirimiphos-methyl resumed in 2013 and 2014 and was followed by a 70% drop in malaria cases in 2014. Anopheles arabiensis was the major vector present in 2006 and was susceptible to deltamethrin. In 2011 and 2014, An. gambiae s.s. was the most abundant vector with deltamethrin 24 h mortality of 68% and 19%, respectively. Conclusions: Resistance to the pyrethroid deltamethrin has increased in An. gambiae s.s. since 2011, possibly due to the scale-up in distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets. Resistance management strategies are recommended using different classes of insecticides for IRS, and including the distribution of new-generation bed nets. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. | Anopheles gambiae complex; Insecticide resistance; Malaria transmission; Mali; Vector control | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879437145 | Evaluation of CareStart™ malaria Pf/Pv combo test for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria diagnosis in Butajira area, south-central Ethiopia | Woyessa A., Deressa W., Ali A., Lindtjørn B. | 2013 | Malaria Journal | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-12-218 | Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Woyessa, A., Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P. O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Deressa, W., School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ali, A., School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lindtjørn, B., Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Malaria is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax co-exist and malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDTs) is vital in rendering parasite-confirmed treatment especially in areas where microscopy from 2008 to 2010 is not available. CareStartTM Malaria Pf/Pv combo test was evaluated compared to microscopy in Butajira area, south-central Ethiopia. This RDT detects histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2) found in P. falciparum, and Plasmodium enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) for diagnosis of P. vivax. The standard for the reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies was complied. Among 2,394 participants enrolled, 10.9% (n=87) were Plasmodium infected (household survey) and 24.5% (n=392) health facility-based using microscopy. In the household surveys, the highest positivity was caused by P. vivax (83.9%, n=73), P. falciparum (15.0%, n=13), and the rest due to mixed infections of both (1.1%, n=1). In health facility, P. vivax caused 78.6% (n=308), P. falciparum caused 20.4% (n=80), and the rest caused by mixed infections 1.0% (n=4). RDT missed 9.1% (n=8) in household and 4.3% (n=17) in health facility-based surveys among Plasmodium positive confirmed by microscopy while 3.3% (n=24) in household and 17.2% (n=208) in health facility-based surveys were detected false positive. RDT showed agreement with microscopy in detecting 79 positives in household surveys (n=796) and 375 positives in health centre survey (n=1,598).RDT performance varied in both survey settings, lowest PPV (64.3%) for Plasmodium and P. falciparum (77.2%) in health centres; and Plasmodium (76.7%) and P. falciparum (87.5%) in household surveys. NPV was low in P. vivax in health centres (77.2%) and household (87.5%) surveys. Seasonally varying RDT precision of as low as 14.3% PPV (Dec. 2009), and 38.5% NPV (Nov. 2008) in health centre surveys; and 40-63.6% PPV was observed in household surveys. But the influence of age and parasite density on RDT performance was not ascertained. Establishing quality control of malaria RDT in the health system in areas with low endemic and where P. falciparum and P. vivax co-exist is recommendable. CareStartTM RDT might be employed for epidemiological studies that require interpreting the results cautiously. Future RDT field evaluation against microscopy should be PCR corrected. © 2013 Woyessa et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Butajira; CareStartTM RDT; Ethiopia; Highland; Microscopy; Precision; Season | histidine; histidine rich protein 2; lactate dehydrogenase; unclassified drug; adolescent; adult; aged; article; child; controlled study; density; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; Ethiopia; female; health care facility; health center; health survey; household; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; malaria rapid test; male; microscopy; mixed infection; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium vivax malaria; predictive value; preschool child; quality control; school child; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antigens, Protozoan; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Coinfection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; Male; Middle Aged; Parasitology; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57349188909 | Impact of baseline health and community support on antiretroviral treatment outcomes in HIV patients in South Africa | Wouters E., Van Damme W., Van Rensburg D., Meulemans H. | 2008 | AIDS | 22 | 18 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32831c5562 | Department of Sociology and Research, Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, BE-2000 Antwerp, Belgium | Wouters, E., Department of Sociology and Research, Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, BE-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Van Damme, W., Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Van Rensburg, D., Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, BE-2000 Antwerp, Belgium; Meulemans, H., Department of Sociology and Research, Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium | The importance of community support when scaling-up antiretroviral treatment (ART) in resource-limited settings is poorly understood. We assessed the impact of baseline health, patient characteristics and community support on ART outcomes at 6 and 12 months in a representative sample of 268 patients enrolled in the Free State public sector ART program (South Africa). Delayed ART initiation reduced ART response, whereas support from treatment buddies, community health workers and support groups significantly improved treatment outcomes. | None | antiretrovirus agent; adult; article; community; community care; drug response; female; health auxiliary; health program; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; priority journal; social support; South Africa; treatment outcome; Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Community Health Services; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Rural Health; Social Support; South Africa; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load | None |
| None | None | The impact of endemic and epidemic malaria on the risk of stillbirth in two areas of Tanzania with different malaria transmission patterns | Wort U.U., Hastings I., Mutabingwa T.K., Brabin B.J. | 2006 | Malaria Journal | 5 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-5-89 | Division of International Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Gates Malaria Partnership, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Alder Hey, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Wort, U.U., Division of International Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Hastings, I., Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom; Mutabingwa, T.K., Gates Malaria Partnership, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Brabin, B.J., Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom, Emma Kinderziekenhuis, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Alder Hey, Liverpool, United Kingdom | Background: The impact of malaria on the risk of stillbirth is still under debate. The aim of the present analysis was to determine comparative changes in stillbirth prevalence between two areas of Tanzania with different malaria transmission patterns in order to estimate the malaria attributable component. Methods: A retrospective analysis was completed of stillbirth differences between primigravidae and multigravidae in relation to malaria cases and transmission patterns for two different areas of Tanzania with a focus on the effects of the El Niño southern climatic oscillation (ENSO). One area, Kagera, experiences outbreaks of malaria, and the other area, Morogoro, is holoendemic. Delivery and malaria data were collected over a six year period from records of the two district hospitals in these locations. Results: There was a significantly higher prevalence of low birthweight in primigravidae compared to multigravidae for both data sets. Low birthweight and stillbirth prevalence (17.5% and 4.8%) were significantly higher in Kilosa compared to Ndolage (11.9% and 2.4%). There was a significant difference in stillbirth prevalence between Ndolage and Kilosa between malaria seasons (2.4% and 5.6% respectively, p < 0.001) and during malaria seasons (1.9% and 5.9% respectively, p < 0.001). During ENSO there was no difference (4.1% and 4.9%, respectively). There was a significant difference in low birthweight prevalence between Ndolage and Kilosa between malaria seasons (14.4% and 23.0% respectively, p < 0.001) and in relation to malaria seasons (13.9% and 25.2% respectively, p < 0.001). During ENSO there was no difference (22.2% and 19.8%, respectively). Increased low birthweight risk occurred approximately five months following peak malaria prevalence, but stillbirth risk increased at the time of malaria peaks. Conclusion: Malaria exposure during pregnancy has a delayed effect on birthweight outcomes, but a more acute effect on stillbirth risk. © 2006 Wort et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; birth weight; controlled study; endemic disease; epidemic; human; major clinical study; malaria; medical record; prevalence; primigravida; risk factor; stillbirth; Tanzania; virus transmission; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Malaria; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Rain; Retrospective Studies; Seasons; Stillbirth; Tanzania; Time Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-68749099502 | Evaluation of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes of diverse growth habit under sole and intercropping with maize (Zea mays L.) in Southern Ethiopia | Worku W. | 2008 | Journal of Agronomy | 7 | 4 | 10.3923/ja.2008.306.313 | College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia | Worku, W., College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia | Seven released, one local and two potential, totally 10, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes representing three growth habit groups were tested under sole cropping and in association with hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). The experiments were conducted during the 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons in southern Ethiopia to compare genotypes and growth habit groups of common bean and to identify genotypes that give maximum intercropping advantage. A split-plot design with three replications was used with cropping system and genotype as main and sub plot factors, respectively. The bean genotypes varied significantly in productivity under both cropping systems. Determinate and bush types performed better than indeterminate and semi-climbing types, respectively. The mean yield from all bean genotypes was used for standardizing and specific genotype combinations showed a mean land equivalent ratio as high as 1.34. Grain yields and ranks of the bean genotypes were positively correlated between the two cropping systems. Furthermore, there was no significant genotype by cropping systems interactions indicating that genotypes selected for performance under sole cropping could perform well in association with hybrid maize. Using improved bush bean cultivars such as DOR-554 and AFR-772 in association with hybrid maize could enhance intercropping advantage. © 2008 Asian Network for Scientific Information. | Growth habit; Maize; Phaseolus vulgaris; Yield; Yield components | Phaseolus vulgaris; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886439252 | The effect of dietary inclusion of jatropha curcas kernel meal on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of juvenile nile tilapia | Workagegn K.B., Ababbo E.D., Tossa B.T. | 2013 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 4 | 5 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000193 | Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Workagegn, K.B., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Ababbo, E.D., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Tossa, B.T., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | The study investigated the effect of dietary inclusion of different proportion of heat treated and heat untreated Jatropha curcas kernel meal (JCKM) on growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of juvenile Nile tilapia. Ten fish with an average body weight of 2.36 g fish-1 were randomly distributed in each experimental aquarium in triplicates, and fed with experimental diets for 65 days. The results revealed that the highest growth performance in terms of final body weight and specific growth rate was observed on the fish fed with heat treated control diet followed by heat untreated control diet and 10% heat treated JCKM with same survival rate. Similarly, the best feed utilization efficiency in terms of feed conversion ratio and feeding efficiency was observed on the fish fed with heat treated control diet followed by 10% heat treated JCKM and heat untreated control diet. All fish fed the above three diets had higher growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate without significant (P>0.05) variation to each other. However, fish fed with the rest of the experimental diets had significantly (P<0.05) lower. Thus, the inclusion of excess dietary JCKM (above 10% heat treated dietary JCKM and at any level of heat untreated dietary JCKM) depressed growth performance, feed utilization efficiency and survival rate of the fish. This implies that heat treatment has an effect on reduction of some of anti-nutritional factors and toxicants in JCKM. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of heat treated JCKM in fish diet increases growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of the fish without increasing mortality rare, and thus, it is a future promising feed ingredient for fish feed production. © 2013 Workagegn KB, et al. | Alternative feed source; Feed ingredient; Oreochromis niloticus; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904263662 | Growth performance of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed different types of diets formulated from varieties of feed ingredients | Workagegn K.B., Ababboa E.D., Yimer G.T., Amare T.A. | 2014 | Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development | 5 | 3 | 10.4172/2155-9546.1000235 | Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | Workagegn, K.B., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Ababboa, E.D., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Yimer, G.T., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia; Amare, T.A., Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 5, Hawassa, Ethiopia | This research was designed to investigate the growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. fed different types of diets formulated from varieties of feed ingredients. For this purpose, six experimental diets were prepared. All the six experimental diets had soybean, bone meal and groundnut as basal feed ingredients which accounted as 60% of the total amount of ingredients. The rest 40% of each diet was 1Maiz:1Sorghumfor control diet or diet "A", coffee husk/pulp for diet "B", wheat bran for diet "C", beer sludge for diet "D", potato scrap for diet "E" and 2JCKM:1Wheat:1Rice for diet "F". After diet preparation, one hundred eighty fish having an average body weight of 3.27 g were randomly distributed into 18 aquaria (80 cm×30 cm×35 cm) in triplicates. During the experiment, the fish were fed three times a day at the rate of 10% of their body weight for 10 weeks. The results revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) on the growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of the fish that fed different types of experimental diets. The highest growth performance in terms of final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate, and feed utilization efficiency were observed on the fish fed diet "A" followed by the fish fed diet "F", while the fish fed diet "B" had the lowest. The lower growth performance and feed utilization efficiency observed on the fish fed diet "B" might be due to high dietary fiber levels together with the presence of relatively higher anti-nutritional factors in coffee husk/pulp diet. However, all the fish had similar survival rate. As conclusion, except diet "B" all the tested diets are potential fish feed. However, further study should be done to evaluate the potential of those diets at later stage of the fish in different culture systems. © 2014 Workagegn KB, et al. | Aquarium; Feed ingredients; Growth performance; Oreochromis niloticus | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873736578 | A capability perspective on performance deficiencies in utility firms | Worch H., Truffer B., Kabinga M., Eberhard A., Markard J. | 2013 | Utilities Policy | 25 | None | 10.1016/j.jup.2012.12.001 | Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Department of Management, Technology and Economics, Chair of Sustainability and Technology, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland | Worch, H., Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Truffer, B., Eawag - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Environmental Social Sciences (ESS), Cirus - Innovation Research in Utility Sectors, Überlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland; Kabinga, M., University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Eberhard, A., University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business, Management Programme in Infrastructure Reform and Regulation Breakwater Campus, Portswood Road, Cape Town, South Africa; Markard, J., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Department of Management, Technology and Economics, Chair of Sustainability and Technology, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland | This paper proposes a capability-based framework to explain performance deficiencies in utility firms as a result of policy and regulatory changes. The framework complements conventional explanations such as transaction cost and agency approaches, which suggest that appropriate incentives and regulations increase the performance of public utilities after relatively short adaptation processes. In contrast, we argue that capability gaps - understood as an inadequate availability of competences, skills and experiences - tend to have long-lasting effects on firm performance. A crucial implication of the capability perspective is that regulatory interventions that create capability gaps at the firm level may affect utility performance - and the ability of infrastructure sectors to provide adequate services - more severely than expected by traditional approaches. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Capabilities; Performance; Regulation; Utilities | incentive; industrial performance; industrial policy; regulatory framework; transaction cost; utility sector | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956526884 | Effects of rootstock on grapevine performance, petiole and must composition, and overall wine score of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay and pinot noir | Wooldridge J., Louw P.J.E., Conradie W.J. | 2010 | South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture | 31 | 1 | None | ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Sapex Exports (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Wooldridge, J., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Louw, P.J.E., Sapex Exports (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 1000, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Conradie, W.J., ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Characteristics of Chardonnay and Pinot noir vines on Richter 99 (99R), Richter 110 (110R), Ruggeri 140 (140Ru) and SO4 rootstocks were assessed over six consecutive seasons in a factorial field trial on an Avalon soil in Stellenbosch that had been limed to pH 5.75 (1M KCl). Ruggeri 140 promoted the highest cane mass (vigour), highest petiole and must nitrogen (N), lowest ratio of yield to cane mass, and lowest overall wine quality. The lowest cane mass and highest wine quality were produced by vines on 110R. Petiole N, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and must N and Ca, were also lower for vines on 110R than for those on 140Ru. | Cane mass; Chardonnay; Must; Petiole; Pinot noir; Yield | Vitaceae; Vitis; Vitis vinifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887746789 | Effects of soil surface management practices on soil and tree parameters in a Cripps Pink/M7 apple orchard 2. Tree performance and root distribution | Wooldridge J., Fourie J., Joubert M.E. | 2013 | South African Journal of Plant and Soil | 30 | 3 | 10.1080/02571862.2013.854416 | Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Wooldridge, J., Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Fourie, J., Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Joubert, M.E., Soil and Water Science, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Effects of integrated production (IP) and organic-acceptable soil surface management practices were investigated in a Cripps Pink/M7 apple orchard in the Elgin area, South Africa. Work row treatments included cover crops, weeds and straw mulch. In the IP tree rows, weeds were controlled with herbicide and nitrogen (N) was supplied in inorganic form. Tree rows in the organic treatments received mineral nutrients in compost, and a straw mulch was used to control weeds. Tree and soil parameters were determined over a seven-year period. Compost usage in the organic treatments led to high soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations, but less acidity, than in the IP treatments. Stem circumferences, pruning weights and root numbers were generally greater in the organic than the IP treatments. Conversely, yields and yields per cm2 stem area were mostly lower in the organic, than in the IP, treatments. To improve yields in organic apple orchards the balance between vegetative growth and flowering and bearing structures must be improved, mainly through better control over orchard nutrition. Such control will be facilitated if composts are standardised with regard to mineral nutrient contents, ratios between N, P and K, and delivery rates. © 2013 Combined Congress Continuing Committee. | Compost; Cover crops; Integrated production; Organic; Straw mulch | acidity; compost; cover crop; flowering; herbicide; mineral; mulch; nitrogen; nutrition; orchard; phosphorus; potassium; root system; soil surface; straw; tree; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651314444 | Truck productivity, efficiency, energy use, and carbon dioxide output: Benchmarking of international performance | Woodrooffe J., Glaeser K.-P., Nordengen P. | 2010 | Transportation Research Record | None | 2162 | 10.3141/2162-08 | Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, 2901 Baxter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150, United States; Bundesanstalt für Strassenwesen (BASt), Brüderstraße 53, Bergisch Gladbach, D-51427, Germany; CSIR, South Africa, Meiring Naudé Road, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Woodrooffe, J., Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, 2901 Baxter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150, United States; Glaeser, K.-P., Bundesanstalt für Strassenwesen (BASt), Brüderstraße 53, Bergisch Gladbach, D-51427, Germany; Nordengen, P., CSIR, South Africa, Meiring Naudé Road, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | The Joint Transport Research Centre of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Transport Forum recently conducted a benchmarking study of the safety and productivity of typical highway transport trucks from various countries. This paper focuses on vehicle productivity and efficiency in regard to the movement of freight. Forty vehicles from 10 countries were examined. The vehicles were designed for longer-haul applications and were classified in three separate categories: workhorse vehicles, which are the most common and can travel on most roads; high-capacity vehicles, which may be restricted to a certain class of road; and very high-capacity vehicles, which may be restricted to specific highways or routes. The metrics used in the analysis include maximum cargo mass and volume capacity, optimum cargo density, fuel consumption, and carbon dioxide output as a function of the freight task. The study found that size and weight regulations have a significant effect on the productivity and efficiency of heavy vehicles, including fuel consumption and vehicle emissions per unit of cargo transported. Significant variations were found among the vehicles from participating countries as well as within vehicle classes. It was also apparent that, in general, higher-productivity vehicles are correlated more strongly with increased cargo volume than with increased cargo mass and that larger trucks are better suited to lower-density freight than are workhorse vehicles. The study also found that it is important to consider the freight task when evaluating vehicle fuel consumption and emissions. | None | Cargo volume; Energy use; Heavy vehicle; High-capacity; International transport; Organisation for economic co-operation and development; Per unit; Transport research; Vehicle emission; Volume capacity; Automobiles; Benchmarking; Carbon dioxide; Fuels; International cooperation; Lead acid batteries; Productivity; Roads and streets; Steel metallurgy; Trucks; Vehicles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48249126815 | The utility of pharmacy dispensing data for ART programme evaluation and early identification of patient loss to follow-up | Wood R., Kaplan R., Bekker L.-G., Brown S., Rivett U. | 2008 | Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine | None | 30 | None | Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cell-Life, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Wood, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kaplan, R., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bekker, L.-G., Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Brown, S., Cell-Life, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Rivett, U., Cell-Life, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | antiretrovirus agent; article; community care; electronic medical record; follow up; health care access; health care delivery; health program; health service; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; information processing; information technology; patient care; patient compliance; patient counseling; patient identification; patient information; pharmacy; South Africa; virus resistance | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67249140561 | HIV evolution in early infection: Selection pressures, patterns of insertion and deletion, and the impact of APOBEC | Wood N., Bhattacharya T., Keele B.F., Giorgi E., Liu M., Gaschen B., Daniels M., Ferrari G., Haynes B.F., McMichael A., Shaw G.M., Hahn B.H., Korber B., Seoighe C. | 2009 | PLoS Pathogens | 5 | 5 | 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000414 | Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for High-Performance Computing, CSIR Campus, Rosebank, Cape Town, South Africa; Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States; Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, United States; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States; Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland | Wood, N., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre for High-Performance Computing, CSIR Campus, Rosebank, Cape Town, South Africa; Bhattacharya, T., Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States, Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, United States; Keele, B.F., University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Giorgi, E., Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States; Liu, M., Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Gaschen, B., Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States; Daniels, M., Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States; Ferrari, G., Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Haynes, B.F., Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; McMichael, A., Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Shaw, G.M., University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Hahn, B.H., University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Korber, B., Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States, Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, United States; Seoighe, C., Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa, Centre for High-Performance Computing, CSIR Campus, Rosebank, Cape Town, South Africa, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland | The pattern of viral diversification in newly infected individuals provides information about the host environment and immune responses typically experienced by the newly transmitted virus. For example, sites that tend to evolve rapidly across multiple early-infection patients could be involved in enabling escape from common early immune responses, could represent adaptation for rapid growth in a newly infected host, or could represent reversion from less fit forms of the virus that were selected for immune escape in previous hosts. Here we investigated the diversification of HIV-1 env coding sequences in 81 very early B subtype infections previously shown to have resulted from transmission or expansion of single viruses (n = 78) or two closely related viruses (n = 3). In these cases, the sequence of the infecting virus can be estimated accurately, enabling inference of both the direction of substitutions as well as distinction between insertion and deletion events. By integrating information across multiple acutely infected hosts, we find evidence of adaptive evolution of HIV-1 env and identify a subset of codon sites that diversified more rapidly than can be explained by a model of neutral evolution. Of 24 such rapidly diversifying sites, 14 were either i) clustered and embedded in CTL epitopes that were verified experimentally or predicted based on the individual's HLA or ii) in a nucleotide context indicative of APOBEC-mediated G-to-A substitutions, despite having excluded heavily hypermutated sequences prior to the analysis. In several cases, a rapidly evolving site was embedded both in an APOBEC motif and in a CTL epitope, suggesting that APOBEC may facilitate early immune escape. Ten rapidly diversifying sites could not be explained by CTL escape or APOBEC hypermutation, including the most frequently mutated site, in the fusion peptide of gp41. We also examined the distribution, extent, and sequence context of insertions and deletions, and we provide evidence that the length variation seen in hypervariable loop regions of the envelope glycoprotein is a consequence of selection and not of mutational hotspots. Our results provide a detailed view of the process of diversification of HIV-1 following transmission, highlighting the role of CTL escape and hypermutation in shaping viral evolution during the establishment of new infections. | None | apolipoprotein; apolipoprotein B messenger RNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide; envelope glycoprotein; epitope; glycoprotein gp 41; nucleotide; unclassified drug; virus glycoprotein; cytidine deaminase; virus envelope protein; article; codon; controlled study; cytotoxic T lymphocyte; gene deletion; gene insertion; HLA system; host; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immune system; information; major clinical study; molecular evolution; mutation; prediction; protein motif; virus transmission; biological model; cross-sectional study; genetics; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; indel mutation; metabolism; molecular genetics; nucleotide sequence; phylogeny; physiology; virology; virus gene; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Base Sequence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cytidine Deaminase; env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte; Evolution, Molecular; Genes, Viral; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; INDEL Mutation; Models, Genetic; Molecular Sequence Data; Phylogeny; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884530599 | Immediate impact of piscicide operations on a Cape Floristic Region aquatic insect assemblage: A lesser of two evils? | Woodford D.J., Barber-James H.M., Bellingan T.A., Day J.A., de Moor F.C., Gouws J., Weyl O.L.F. | 2013 | Journal of Insect Conservation | 17 | 5 | 10.1007/s10841-013-9578-4 | South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa; Centre for Invasion Biology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Grahamstown, South Africa; Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Scientific Services, CapeNature, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Woodford, D.J., South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa, Centre for Invasion Biology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Grahamstown, South Africa; Barber-James, H.M., Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Bellingan, T.A., Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Day, J.A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; de Moor, F.C., Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Gouws, J., Scientific Services, CapeNature, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Weyl, O.L.F., South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa, Centre for Invasion Biology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Grahamstown, South Africa | The piscicide rotenone is used as a conservation tool to remove alien fishes from rivers, though there is controversy over its effects on aquatic insects. An alien fish removal operation in the Rondegat River, Cape Floristic Region, South Africa, allowed the immediate impact of rotenone on an aquatic insect community in a region with high conservation values to be quantified. The insect community within the treated river was sampled in February 2011 (1 year before rotenone operations), February 2012 (1 week before) and March 2012 (1 week after). Insects were collected using kick sampling across multiple biotopes, together with samples from individual stones. We considered rotenone-precipitated losses to be those taxa captured a week before treatment but absent after, and assessed the endemism of lost species to determine the conservation impact of the rotenone. Species richness decreased significantly following treatment, even though many rare taxa were not recorded immediately prior to treatment. Of the 85 taxa identified, 18 were lost including five endemic to the mountain range which the river drains. Ephemeroptera were most severely affected, with a significant loss of density on stones post-rotenone and six out of 20 species missing. Since half the missing taxa were recorded upstream of the treatment area, recovery of diversity is likely to be relatively rapid. Given that alien invasive fish negatively affect both fish and aquatic insect communities in South Africa, the long-term positive conservation impact of removing these fish is likely to outweigh the short-term negative effects of the piscicide. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. | Collateral impacts; Conservation intervention; Endemism; Rotenone; Species diversity | aquatic community; Cape Floristic Region; conservation management; endemism; insect; species diversity; species richness; Rondegat River; South Africa; Western Cape; Arthropoda; Ephemeroptera; Hexapoda; Pisces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77957292294 | Innovation and performance improvement in the South African wine industry | Wood E., Kaplan D. | 2005 | International Journal of Technology and Globalisation | 1 | 42433 | None | Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Greenpoint, 8000, South Africa | Wood, E., Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Greenpoint, 8000, South Africa; Kaplan, D., Graduate School of Business University of Cape Town, Portswood Road, Greenpoint, 8000, South Africa | South Africa’s wine industry was ill-prepared for the highly competitive, brand-conscious consumer markets it encountered on re-entry into international markets. The bulk of production was basic quality wine. Wine marketing expertise was concentrated among smaller independent wine producers and a few large wholesalers. The paper examines innovation in different segments of the industry and the extent to which it is being effectively supported by networking and knowledge exchange. Most producers have significantly improved quality and product ranges. But many producers are weak in the area of marketing, though some segments have achieved considerable success in this area. Respected institutions to support marketing and brand development and knowledge exchange between producers contribute to ongoing improvement in this area. © 2005 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | industry networks; innovation; performance improvement; South Africa; wine industry | None | None |
| None | None | Standardizing operational vector sampling techniques for measuring malaria transmission intensity: Evaluation of six mosquito collection methods in western Kenya | Wong J., Bayoh N., Olang G., Killeen G.F., Hamel M.J., Vulule J.M., Gimnig J.E. | 2013 | Malaria Journal | 12 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-12-143 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara, Tanzania | Wong, J., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States; Bayoh, N., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Olang, G., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Killeen, G.F., Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Sciences Thematic Group, Ifakara, Tanzania; Hamel, M.J., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Vulule, J.M., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya; Gimnig, J.E., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background: Operational vector sampling methods lack standardization, making quantitative comparisons of malaria transmission across different settings difficult. Human landing catch (HLC) is considered the research gold standard for measuring human-mosquito contact, but is unsuitable for large-scale sampling. This study assessed mosquito catch rates of CDC light trap (CDC-LT), Ifakara tent trap (ITT), window exit trap (WET), pot resting trap (PRT), and box resting trap (BRT) relative to HLC in western Kenya to 1) identify appropriate methods for operational sampling in this region, and 2) contribute to a larger, overarching project comparing standardized evaluations of vector trapping methods across multiple countries. Methods. Mosquitoes were collected from June to July 2009 in four districts: Rarieda, Kisumu West, Nyando, and Rachuonyo. In each district, all trapping methods were rotated 10 times through three houses in a 3 × 3 Latin Square design. Anophelines were identified by morphology and females classified as fed or non-fed. Anopheles gambiae s.l. were further identified as Anopheles gambiae s.s. or Anopheles arabiensis by PCR. Relative catch rates were estimated by negative binomial regression. Results: When data were pooled across all four districts, catch rates (relative to HLC indoor) for An. gambiae s.l (95.6% An. arabiensis, 4.4% An. gambiae s.s) were high for HLC outdoor (RR = 1.01), CDC-LT (RR = 1.18), and ITT (RR = 1.39); moderate for WET (RR = 0.52) and PRT outdoor (RR = 0.32); and low for all remaining types of resting traps (PRT indoor, BRT indoor, and BRT outdoor; RR < 0.08 for all). For Anopheles funestus, relative catch rates were high for ITT (RR = 1.21); moderate for HLC outdoor (RR = 0.47), CDC-LT (RR = 0.69), and WET (RR = 0.49); and low for all resting traps (RR < 0.02 for all). At finer geographic scales, however, efficacy of each trap type varied from district to district. Conclusions: ITT, CDC-LT, and WET appear to be effective methods for large-scale vector sampling in western Kenya. Ultimately, choice of collection method for operational surveillance should be driven by trap efficacy and scalability, rather than fine-scale precision with respect to HLC. When compared with recent, similar trap evaluations in Tanzania and Zambia, these data suggest that traps which actively lure host-seeking females will be most useful for surveillance in the face of declining vector densities. © 2013 Wong et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; CDC light trap; Human biting rate; Human landing catch; Ifakara tent trap; Mosquito sampling; Window exit trap | adult; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles funestus; Anopheles gambiae; article; box resting trap; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light trap; disease transmission; female; human; human landing catch; Ifakara tent trap; Kenya; malaria; male; morphology; nonhuman; parasite vector; polymerase chain reaction; pot resting trap; rural area; sampling; standardization; window exit trap; Adult; Animals; Child, Preschool; Culicidae; Disease Vectors; Entomology; Female; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Malaria; Male; Population Density | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869425858 | The Psychometric Properties of the Amharic Version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised: A Study on Child Sexual Abuse Survivors in Ethiopia | Wondie Y., Zemene W., Reschke K., Schröder H. | 2012 | Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma | 5 | 4 | 10.1080/19361521.2012.728099 | Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; University of Leipzig, Germany | Wondie, Y., Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, University of Leipzig, Germany; Zemene, W., Department of Psychology, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia; Reschke, K., University of Leipzig, Germany; Schröder, H., University of Leipzig, Germany | The study assessed the internal consistency and construct validity of the Amharic version of the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale-Revised (CITES-R). Data was collected from 318 female children. With few exceptions, the result revealed that the internal consistency and the construct validity of the scale were found to be in the expected directions. The mean alpha value for all the scales was 0.71. Social support and empowerment were significantly correlated with the positive self-worth component of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Moreover, intercorrelations between the PTSD symptoms and abuse attributions demonstrated significant positive associations. In conclusion, the Amharic version of the CITES-R was found to be comparable with the original scale and previous studies that employed this instrument. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | child sexual abuse; children's impacts of traumatic events scale; construct validity; Ethiopia; internal consistency | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77955604859 | Predicting invasive alien plant distributions: How geographical bias in occurrence records influences model performance | Wolmarans R., Robertson M.P., van Rensburg B.J. | 2010 | Journal of Biogeography | 37 | 9 | 10.1111/j.1365-2699.2010.02325.x | Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Wolmarans, R., Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Robertson, M.P., Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; van Rensburg, B.J., Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Aim: To investigate the impact of geographical bias on the performance of ecological niche models for invasive plant species. Location: South Africa and Australia. Methods: We selected 10 Australian plants invasive in South Africa and nine South African plants invasive in Australia. Geographical bias was simulated in occurrence records obtained from the native range of a species to represent two scenarios. For the first scenario (A, worst-case) a proportion of records were excluded from a specific region of a species' range and for the second scenario (B, less extreme) only some records were excluded from that specific region of the range. Introduced range predictions were produced with the M. axent modelling algorithm where models were calibrated with datasets from these biased occurrence records and 19 bioclimatic variables. Models were evaluated with independent test data obtained from the introduced range of the species. Geographical bias was quantified as the proportional difference between the occurrence records from a control and a biased dataset, and environmental bias was expressed as either the difference in marginality or tolerance between these datasets. Model performance [assessed using the conventional and modified AUC (area under the curve of receiver-operating characteristic plots) and the maximum true skill statistic] was compared between models calibrated with occurrence records from a biased dataset and a control dataset. Results: We found considerable variation in the relationship between geographical and environmental bias. Environmental bias, expressed as the difference in marginality, differed significantly across treatments. Model performance did not differ significantly among treatments. Regions predicted as suitable for most of the species were very similar when compared between a biased and control dataset, with only a few exceptions. Main conclusions: The geographical bias simulated in this study was sufficient to result in significant environmental bias across treatments, but despite this we did not find a significant effect on model performance. Differences in the environmental spaces occupied by the species in their native and invaded ranges may explain why we did not find a significant effect on model performance. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd. | Australia; Ecological niche modelling; Environmental bias; Geographical bias; Invasive alien plants; Marginality; Maxent; Model performance; South Africa; Tolerance | bioclimatology; cohort analysis; data set; invasive species; model validation; niche partitioning; plant; spatial distribution; species occurrence; tolerance; Australia; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941281127 | The scholarly impact of doctoral research conducted in the field of education in south africa | Wolhuter C.C. | 2015 | South African Journal of Education | 35 | 3 | 10.15700/saje.v35n3a1090 | School for Education Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Wolhuter, C.C., School for Education Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | The aim of this study is to investigate the scholarly impact of knowledge generated as part of doctoral studies in the field of education in South Africa. The transition rate of the 97 doctoral theses completed in the various fields of education in South Africa in 2008 into peer-reviewed articles and chapters in scholarly books, as well as the citation impact of these theses, were studied. It was found that the transition rates of these theses to journal articles and book chapters were low, as was their citation impact. Eighty three of the 97 theses did not transfer into any kind of publication, 70 out of the 97 made no citation impact, and 65 theses neither transferred to an article/a book chapter, nor did they receive any citation. The low scholarly impact of doctoral research in education in South Africa is related to a number of contextual and field-specific factors, identified in the survey of literature. The main recommendation made is the mapping of fields of education scholarship, making possible the identification of lacuna for research with high impact potential. © 2015, Foundation for Education Science and Technology. All rights reserved. | Citation impact; Doctoral education; Doctoral education in South Africa; Educational research; Educational research in South Africa; Mapping of fields of education scholarship; Quality of doctoral education | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857807799 | The international impact of education research done and published in South Africa | Wolhuter C. | 2011 | South African Journal of Education | 31 | 4 | None | Department of Comparative Education, North-West University, South Africa | Wolhuter, C., Department of Comparative Education, North-West University, South Africa | The aim of this article was to determine the international impact of Education research in South Africa, through a citation analysis of articles published in the South African Journal of Education from 2000 to 2010 The citation impact (nationally as well as internationally) was found to be low. The international impact has been particularly poor, both quantitatively (in terms of the number of citations) and qualitatively (in terms of the standing of the publications in which this research does get cited, seen in the context of the hierarchy of scholarly publications). The article shows that certain topics of research in South Africa fail to break through to the international arena at all, such as research on the current restructuring of education in South Africa. Research that was cited most often in international journals dealt with research methodology, creativity and entrepreneurship education, beliefs and perception studies, and language-in-education in South Africa. In conclusion, a number of recommendations are made for raising the international profile of Education research that is done in South Africa and for further research in pursuance of that objective. © 2011 EASA. | Education research; Impact; Internationalisation; South African journal of education | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903540002 | Systematic review: Assessing the impact of drinking water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low- and middle-income settings: Systematic review and meta-regression | Wolf J., Prüss-Ustün A., Cumming O., Bartram J., Bonjour S., Cairncross S., Clasen T., Colford J.M., Curtis V., De France J., Fewtrell L., Freeman M.C., Gordon B., Hunter P.R., Jeandron A., Johnston R.B., Mäusezahl D., Mathers C., Neira M., Higgins J.P.T. | 2014 | Tropical Medicine and International Health | 19 | 8 | 10.1111/tmi.12331 | Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Centre for Research into Environment and Health, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom | Wolf, J., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Prüss-Ustün, A., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Cumming, O., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Bartram, J., Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Bonjour, S., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Cairncross, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Clasen, T., Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Colford, J.M., School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Curtis, V., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; De France, J., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Fewtrell, L., Centre for Research into Environment and Health, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Freeman, M.C., Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Gordon, B., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Hunter, P.R., Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom, Department of Environmental Health, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Jeandron, A., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Johnston, R.B., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, EAWAG, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland; Mäusezahl, D., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Mathers, C., Department of Health Statistics and Information Systems, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Neira, M., Department of Public Health and Environment, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Higgins, J.P.T., School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, United Kingdom | Objective: To assess the impact of inadequate water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low- and middle-income settings. Methods: The search strategy used Cochrane Library, MEDLINE & PubMed, Global Health, Embase and BIOSIS supplemented by screening of reference lists from previously published systematic reviews, to identify studies reporting on interventions examining the effect of drinking water and sanitation improvements in low- and middle-income settings published between 1970 and May 2013. Studies including randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised trials with control group, observational studies using matching techniques and observational studies with a control group where the intervention was well defined were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Ottawa-Newcastle scale. Study results were combined using meta-analysis and meta-regression to derive overall and intervention-specific risk estimates. Results: Of 6819 records identified for drinking water, 61 studies met the inclusion criteria, and of 12 515 records identified for sanitation, 11 studies were included. Overall, improvements in drinking water and sanitation were associated with decreased risks of diarrhoea. Specific improvements, such as the use of water filters, provision of high-quality piped water and sewer connections, were associated with greater reductions in diarrhoea compared with other interventions. Conclusions: The results show that inadequate water and sanitation are associated with considerable risks of diarrhoeal disease and that there are notable differences in illness reduction according to the type of improved water and sanitation implemented. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd The World Health Organization retains copyright and all other rights in the manuscript of this article as submitted for publication. | Diarrhoea; Global burden of disease; Risk estimates; Sanitation; Water | chlorine; drinking water; water; diarrheal disease; drinking water; health risk; income distribution; meta-analysis; risk assessment; sanitation; water supply; World Health Organization; article; cohort analysis; diarrhea; environmental impact assessment; environmental sanitation; human; indoor air pollution; loose feces; lowest income group; meta analysis; morbidity; observational study; outcome assessment; risk factor; systematic review; time series analysis; total quality management; water quality; water supply; water treatment; agua; assainissement; carga global de enfermedad; cálculo de riesgo; cálculos de riesgo; charge mondiale des maladies; developing country; Diarrea; diarrhea; diarrhée; eau; estimations du risque; global burden of disease; income; review; risk estimates; saneamiento; sanitation; standard; water quality; water supply; agua; assainissement; carga global de enfermedad; cálculo de riesgo; cálculos de riesgo; charge mondiale des maladies; diarrea; diarrhée; diarrhoea; eau; estimations du risque; global burden of disease; risk estimates; saneamiento; sanitation; water; Developing Countries; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Humans; Income; Sanitation; Water Quality; Water Supply | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15444380490 | Evaluation of a home-based voluntary counselling and testing intervention in rural Uganda | Wolff B., Nyanzi B., Katongole G., Ssesanga D., Ruberantwari A., Whitworth J. | 2005 | Health Policy and Planning | 20 | 2 | 10.1093/heapol/czi013 | Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda; MRC; Intl. Activities the Wellcome Trust; Medical Research Council, P.O. 49, Entebbe, Uganda | Wolff, B., Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda, Medical Research Council, P.O. 49, Entebbe, Uganda; Nyanzi, B., Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda, MRC; Katongole, G., Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda; Ssesanga, D., Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda, MRC; Ruberantwari, A., Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda, MRC; Whitworth, J., Medical Research Council, Entebbe, Uganda, Intl. Activities the Wellcome Trust | Background: Uptake of HIV test results from an annual serosurvey of a population study cohort in rural southwestern Uganda had never exceeded 10% in any given year since inception in 1989. An intervention offering counselling and HIV results at home was conducted in four study villages following the 2001 serosurvey round, and followed by a qualitative evaluation exploring nature of demand and barriers to knowing HIV status. Methods: Data from annual serosurveys and counsellor records are analyzed to estimate the impact of the intervention on uptake of HIV test results. Textual data are analyzed from 21 focus group discussions among counsellors, and men and women who had received HIV test results, requested but not yet received, and never requested; and 34 in-depth interviews equally divided among those who had received test results either from counselling offices and homes. Results: Offering HIV results at home significantly increased uptake of results from 10 to 37% for all adults aged 15 (p < 0.001), and 46% of those age 25 to 54. Previous male advantage in uptake of test results was effectively eliminated. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews highlight substantial non-monetary costs of getting HIV results from high-visibility public facilities prior to intervention. Inconvenience, fear of stigmatization, and emotional vulnerability of receiving results from public facilities were the most common explanations for the relative popularity of home-based voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). It is seen as less appropriate for youth and couples with conflicting attitudes toward testing. Conclusions: Home delivery of results revealed significantly higher demand to know HIV status than stubbornly low uptake figures from the past would suggest. Integrating VCT into other services, locating testing centres in less visible surroundings, or directly confronting stigma surrounding testing may be less expensive ways to reproduce increased uptake with home VCT. © Oxford University Press, 2005; all rights reserved. | Clients; HIV; Home care; Providers; Qualitative; Stigma; VCT uptake | adolescent; adult; article; attitude; cohort analysis; data analysis; emotion; evaluation; fear; female; health care facility; health survey; home care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; interview; male; medical record; patient counseling; population research; qualitative analysis; reproducibility; rural health care; Uganda; Adult; AIDS Serodiagnosis; Cohort Studies; Counseling; Fear; Female; Focus Groups; HIV Infections; Home Care Services; Humans; Interviews; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Rural Population; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905967088 | Development and evaluation of low cost evaporative cooling systems to minimise postharvest losses of tomatoes (Roma vf) around Woreta, Ethiopia | Woldemariam H.W., Abera B.D. | 2014 | International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation | 4 | 1 | 10.1504/IJPTI.2014.064165 | Food Technology and Process Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Woldemariam, H.W., Food Technology and Process Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Abera, B.D., Food Technology and Process Engineering, Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 26, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Low cost evaporative cooling systems were developed and investigated for their cooling efficiency to improve the shelf life of tomatoes. Average cooling efficiencies of bamboo jute and pot in pot coolers before being loaded with tomatoes were 82% and 79% and after being loaded were 67.6% and 61.6%, respectively. Physiological weight losses were 1.03%, 1.32% and 1.42% for bamboo jute, pot in pot coolers and ambient storage, respectively. The sensory results revealed that the shelf life of tomatoes were 5, 19 and 21 days for ambient, pot in pot and bamboo jute coolers, respectively. Storage type has significant difference on cooling efficiency but not on physiological weight loss, physical damage, freshness and rot incidence at p < 0.05. Thus, both evaporative coolers were found to be energy efficient, environmentally sound and can be used in areas where there is no electricity to improve the shelf life of tomatoes. Copyright © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. | Cooling efficiency; Evaporative cooling; Postharvest loss; Shelf life; Tomatoes. | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947241341 | Friends or enemies? An evaluation of the relationship between rising hegemonies and established hegemonies in international relations | Wogu I.A.P., Chidozie F. | 2015 | Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research | 2 | 3 | None | Department of Political Science and International Relations, School of Human Resource Development, College of Leadership Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Wogu, I.A.P., Department of Political Science and International Relations, School of Human Resource Development, College of Leadership Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Chidozie, F., Department of Political Science and International Relations, School of Human Resource Development, College of Leadership Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | There are some who see China's sudden rise to the position of power and influence on the globe as a threat to their position and place in world economy. Current trends in world politics however reveals that the quest to rise to the place of hegemony and the need to sustain once position as the dominant hegemony in international politics have set into motion, series of actions leading to various kinds of espionage campaign between the countries involved. This study is a critical evaluation of the intrigues and politics of power which raises the ultimate question of ?who is a friends or an enemy in the emerging global system"? The paper adopts the traditional methods of critical analysis in philosophy to evaluate data collected from secondary sources with a view to evaluate and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the propositions and assumptions arising from the situation. The paper identifies some degree of exaggeration in the fears which Americans are nursing presently. The paper recommends that the countries under review need adopt the complex independent theory of international relations which has the capacity to synthesize elements of the realist and the liberal thoughts among the countries under review. | Complex independent theory; Espionage campaign; Friends or enemy; Hegemony; International relations | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82855169392 | Performance of growing grasscutters on different fibre sources | Wogar G.S.I. | 2012 | Pakistan Journal of Nutrition | 11 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Wogar, G.S.I., Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria | Grasscutter meat constitutes an important source of much-needed animal protein. The grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a wild herbivorous rodent found in the grasslands of Sub-Sahara Africa. It subsists mainly on grass and can digest almost any form of edible greenstuff. Intensive grasscutter production aims at achieving higher levels of DM intake through various vegetative and concentrate supplements to basal diet. The 15 weeks experiment evaluated the performance of twenty four (24) 13 weeks old growing grasscutters, allotted to four treatment groups of six animals each, which were fed diets containing four different fibre sources namely; wheat offal, palm kernel cake, maize sievates and a combination of equal amounts of all the fibre feedstuffs. The experiment involved two replicates per treatment and three growing grasscutters per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. All the data was subjected to the analysis of variance. The performance of grasscutters, in respect of forage intake, concentrate intake, total feed intake and cost of feeding, was significantly (p<0.05) higher on the maize sievates than on other diets, while the rate of attainment of puberty was significantly (p<0.05) higher on the palm kernel cake than on other diets. These findings suggest that the performance of growing grasscutters was best on the palm kernel cake diet. Palm kernel cake can, therefore, be used as the preferred source of fibre for feeding growing grasscutters. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012. | Different fibre sources; Fed; Growing grasscutters; Performance | Africa south of the Sahara; analysis of variance; animal experiment; animal food; article; controlled study; dietary fiber; digestion; food composition; foraging behavior; fruit; grass; grasscutter; herbivore; maize; nonhuman; palm; physical performance; puberty; rodent; weight gain; wheat | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857803790 | Interpreting foucault: An evaluation of a foucauldian critique of education | Woermann M. | 2012 | South African Journal of Education | 32 | 1 | None | Department of Philosophy, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Woermann, M., Department of Philosophy, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | The potential strengths and weaknesses of a Foucauldian critique of education are discussed and evaluated. The article focuses specifically on the value of Foucault's work for critiquing social and political ideologies prevalent in education, which is understood as a societal institution, and hence, as a modern regime of institutional power. In terms of strengths, the ability to raise issues of knowledge, power and contestation that are traditionally ignored in educational theory is addressed. In terms of weaknesses, Foucault's problematic use and understanding of power and his apparent rejection of objective truth are investigated. The critique develops at the hand of influential, but competing, interpretations of Foucault's contribution to the field of education in particular, and philosophy in general. It is argued that these influential readings of Foucault gain traction within specific discourses (such as education), and should thus be subjected to critical scrutiny. © 2012 EASA. | Critique; Education; Foucault; Institution; Power; Truth | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-43149126334 | The impact of employment equity regulations on psychological contracts in South Africa | Wöcke A., Sutherland M. | 2008 | International Journal of Human Resource Management | 19 | 4 | 10.1080/09585190801953525 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Wöcke, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Sutherland, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | This article will show the impact of employment equity legislation on the psychological employment contracts of the three main employee groupings in South African society. This study is important in that it fills the gap in the literature that identifies labour market regulations as an important shaping influence on the psychological contract. More than 500 managers from across South African industry and from all ethnic groups were surveyed to identify differences in psychological contracts and attitudes towards the social transformation regulations. We found that the legislation has impacted differentially on the three groupings mainly in terms of their loyalty to stay with their organizations, the focus on their career development in terms of the external labour market and the degree to which they felt they had been affected by the legislation. Additionally we find that the perceived linkage between job satisfaction and labour turnover is significantly weakened by labour market legislation in the case of the beneficiaries of the legislation, but that this may not be the case for those negatively affected by the legislation. The findings have significant implications for the HRM practices of multinationals operating in societies with significant labour market regulatory interventions. | Diversity management; Employment equity; Psychological contract; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84863903220 | Impact of demographic variables on voluntary labour turnover in South Africa | Wöcke A., Heymann M. | 2012 | International Journal of Human Resource Management | 23 | 16 | 10.1080/09585192.2011.639028 | Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa | Wöcke, A., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa; Heymann, M., Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, Sandton, South Africa | This paper demonstrates the relevance of employee demographic variables as extended factors in the voluntary turnover process since these models currently do not sufficiently explain the factors impacting the turnover decision. Over 1000 managers and knowledge workers were surveyed using a cross-sectional questionnaire to identify potential similarities in demographic variables in the decision to leave the organisation. Findings indicate that various demographic variables (age, race and gender) influence whether pull or push factors are cited in the turnover process. In addition, it is found that the level of education has a stronger relationship to employee mobility than race, which contradicts the current sentiment in the South African labour market. Furthermore, it is concluded that demographic variables of employees should be considered in the extension of contemporary turnover models. The findings have implications for human resource management practices in organisations that are more dependent on knowledge workers. Consequently, the findings have implications for current prevailing theory on voluntary turnover research. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | employee mobility; retention; turnover | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897401138 | The impact of leadership styles on employee organisational commitment in higher learning institutions | Wiza M., Hlanganipai N. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 4 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n4p135 | Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | Wiza, M., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa; Hlanganipai, N., Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Private Bag 1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa | The current study seeks to determine the impact of leadership styles on employees' organisational commitment constructs among University academic staff at a selected South African institution. A quantitative methodology, using self-administered surveys comprised of the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) and the Multi Factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was used to collect data from 160 respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. Spearman correlation analysis was used to test for relationships between the independent variable (leadership style) and the dependant variable (organizational commitment. The findings of the study revealed that transformational leadership style has a significant and positive relationship with affective and continuance employee commitment while transactional leadership style has significant and positive relationship with only normative commitment. Based on the findings of this study, it is worth noting that leadership styles plays an important role to an employees' organizational commitment and it is very important for organizational policy makers to take this into consideration in order to meet organizational goals. This study contributes to the bank of findings relating to the development of leadership and organisational commitment, not only in South Africa, but within the institutions of higher learning in particular. | Academics; Impact; Organisational commitment; Transactional leadership; Transformational leadership | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855823346 | Evaluation of risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve with classical sagittal split osteotomy technique and proposed alternative surgical techniques using computer-assisted surgery | Wittwer G., Adeyemo W.L., Beinemann J., Juergens P. | 2012 | International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 41 | 1 | 10.1016/j.ijom.2011.08.001 | Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Facharzt Kiefer-Gesichtschirurgie Pla | Wittwer, G., Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Facharzt Kiefer-Gesichtschirurgie Plastische und Ästhetische Operationen, Bahnhofplatz 11, CH-4410 Liestal, Switzerland; Adeyemo, W.L., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria; Beinemann, J., Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Juergens, P., Department of Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland | Neurosensory disturbance after sagittal split osteotomy is a common complication. This study evaluated the course of the mandibular canal at three positions using computed tomography (CT), assessed the risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve in classical sagittal split osteotomy, based on the proximity of the mandibular canal to the external cortical bone, and proposed alternative surgical techniques using computer-assisted surgery. CT data from 102 mandibular rami were evaluated. At each position, the distance between the mandibular canal and the inner surface of the cortical bone was measured; if less than 1 mm or if the canal contacted the external cortical bone it was registered as a possible neurosensory compromising proximity. The course of each mandibular canal was allocated to a neurosensory risk or a non-neurosensory risk group. The mandibular canal was in contact with, or within 1 mm of, the lingual cortex in most positions along its course. Neurosensory compromising proximity of the mandibular canal was observed in about 60% of sagittal split ramus osteotomy sites examined. For this group, modified classic osteotomy or complete individualized osteotomy is proposed, depending on the position at which the mandibular canal was at risk; they may be accomplished with computer-assisted navigation. © 2011 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. | computer-assisted surgery; deficiency; intra-operative navigation; neurosensory; ramus osteotomy | adult; article; clinical evaluation; computer assisted surgery; computer assisted tomography; cortical bone; female; human; inferior alveolar injury; major clinical study; male; mandible; nerve injury; osteotomy; sagittal split osteotomy; surgical technique; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Male; Mandible; Mandibular Nerve; Osteotomy; Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus; Patient Care Planning; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Somatosensory Disorders; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Trigeminal Nerve Injuries; User-Computer Interface | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-10644291886 | Impact of preservation and different packaging conditions on the microbial community and activity of Kefir grains | Witthuhn R.C., Schoeman T., Cilliers A., Britz T.J. | 2005 | Food Microbiology | 22 | 4 | 10.1016/j.fm.2004.09.001 | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Priv. Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, S. A., South Africa | Witthuhn, R.C., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Priv. Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, S. A., South Africa; Schoeman, T., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Priv. Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, S. A., South Africa; Cilliers, A., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Priv. Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, S. A., South Africa; Britz, T.J., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Priv. Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, S. A., South Africa | Kefir is a cultured milk product that is produced by a mixed acidic and alcoholic fermentation by microbes found within Kefir grains. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different packaging materials in their ability to retain the viability and activity of the grains over an extended storage period. The impact of the different packaging and storage conditions on the microbial community of the grains was also determined. Kefir grains were lyophilized, packaged in three different packaging materials, including low-density polyethylene film (LDPE), oriented polyester film (OPET), and methallized oriented polyester film (MOPET) and stored for 3 months at room temperature. Activity tests, including pH, titratable acidity (%TA), lactose and lactic acid content over a 10 and 18 h fermentation period were used to evaluate the acidification activity of the lyophilized grains. Selective media, morphology and physiological characteristics were used to obtain the enumeration values and to identify the microbes present in the packaged and stored grains. Overall, the best retention of the fermentation activity was found for the MOPET film. The OPET packaging film provided the best preservation of the microbial composition. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Fermentation; Kefir grains; Lactic acid bacteria; Packaging; Preservation | Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34447633889 | Evaluation of different growth media for the recovery of the species of Alicyclobacillus | Witthuhn R.C., Duvenage W., Gouws P.A. | 2007 | Letters in Applied Microbiology | 45 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2007.02182.x | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Witthuhn, R.C., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Duvenage, W., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Gouws, P.A., Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Aims: Five different isolation media, namely potato dextrose agar (PDA), orange serum agar (OSA), K agar, yeast-starch-glucose agar and Bacillus acidocaldarius medium were evaluated for the recovery of Alicyclobacillus spp. from inoculated diluted and undiluted fruit-juice concentrates. Methods and Results: Plates of PDA (pH 3.7), spread with vegetative cells (3.9 × 106 CFU ml-1) of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris from single-strength pear juice, recovered 2.9 × 106CFU ml -1 after 5 days at 50°C (74% recovery). The recovery of endospores from single-strength pear juice, after a heat treatment at 80°C for 10 min, was higher on spread plates of OSA (pH 5.5) at 50°C for 5 days (97% recovery). Conclusions: PDA (pH 3.7) and OSA (pH 5.5) at 50°C for 3-5 days recovered the highest numbers of vegative cells and endospores of Alicyclobacillus spp. from sterilized fruit juices and concentrates. Significance and Impact of the Study: The most appropriate synthetic media for the recovery of Alicyclobacillus species from inoculated fruit juices and concentrates are shown. © 2007 The Authors. | Alicyclobacillus; Endospores; Fruit juice; Isolation media; Spoilage; Vegetative cells | Bacteria; Cells; Fruit juices; Glucose; Heat treatment; pH effects; agar; bacterium; dilution; glucose; inoculation; sporulation; yeast; Alicyclobacillus; article; bacterial endospore; bacterial growth; bacterial strain; culture medium; heat treatment; nonhuman; vegetative growth; Agar; Bacteriological Techniques; Beverages; Culture Media; Gram-Positive Endospore-Forming Bacteria; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Species Specificity; Temperature; Vitis; Alicyclobacillus; Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius; Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris; Pyrus; Solanum tuberosum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13944250383 | Evaluation of different preservation techniques on the storage potential of Kefir grains | Witthuhn R.C., Cilliers A., Britz T.J. | 2005 | Journal of Dairy Research | 72 | 1 | 10.1017/S0022029904000652 | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | Witthuhn, R.C., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Cilliers, A., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Britz, T.J., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa | [No abstract available] | Air-dried; Freezing; Kefir grains; Lyophilisation; Microbial activity; Refrigeration | alcoholic beverage; animal; article; cattle; cereal; dairying; fermentation; food preservation; methodology; milk; South Africa; Alcoholic Beverages; Animals; Cattle; Cereals; Dairying; Fermentation; Food Preservation; Milk; South Africa; Kefir | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33846786760 | Working practices and incomes of health workers: Evidence from an evaluation of a delivery fee exemption scheme in Ghana | Witter S., Kusi A., Aikins M. | 2007 | Human Resources for Health | 5 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-5-2 | Immpact, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom; Immpact, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Witter, S., Immpact, University of Aberdeen, Health Sciences Building, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom; Kusi, A., Immpact, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Aikins, M., Immpact, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Background: This article describes a survey of health workers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) which was carried out in 2005 in two regions of Ghana. The objective of the survey was to ascertain the impact of the introduction of a delivery fee exemption scheme on both health workers and those providers who were excluded from the scheme (TBAs). This formed part of an overall evaluation of the delivery fee exemption scheme. The results shed light not only on the scheme itself but also on the general productivity of a range of health workers in Ghana. Methods: A structured questionnaire was developed, covering individual and household characteristics, working hours and practices, sources of income, and views of the exemptions scheme and general motivation. After field testing, this was administered to 374 respondents in 12 districts of Central and Volta regions. The respondents included doctors, medical assistants (MAs), public and private midwives, nurses, community health nurses (CHNs), and traditional birth attendants, both trained and untrained. Results: Health workers were well informed about the delivery fee exemptions scheme and their responses on its impact suggest a realistic view that it was a good scheme, but one that faces serious challenges regarding financial sustainability. Concerning its impact on their morale and working conditions, the responses were broadly neutral. Most public sector workers have seen an increased workload, but counterbalanced by increased pay. TBAs have suffered, in terms of client numbers and income, while the picture for private midwives is mixed. The survey also sheds light on pay and productivity. The respondents report long working hours, with a mean of 54 hours per week for community nurses and up to 129 hours per week for MAs. Weekly reported client loads in the public sector range from a mean of 86 for nurses to 269 for doctors. Over the past two years, reported working hours have been increasing, but so have pay and allowances (for doctors, allowances now make up 66% of their total pay). The lowest paid public health worker now earns almost ten times the average gross national income (GNI) per capita, while the doctors earn 38.5 times GNI per capita. This compares well with average government pay of four times GNI per capita. Comparing pay with outputs, the relatively high number of clients reported by doctors reduces their pay differential, so that the cost per client - $ 1.09 - is similar to a nurse's (and lower than a private midwife's). Conclusion: These findings show that a scheme which increases demand for public health services while also sustaining health worker income and morale, is workable, if well managed, even within the relatively constrained human resources environment of countries like Ghana. This may be linked to the fact that internal comparisons reveal Ghana's health workers to be well paid from public sector sources. © 2007 Witter et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649773344 | Estimating expenditure impacts without expenditure data using asset proxies | Wittenberg M. | 2011 | Economics Letters | 110 | 2 | 10.1016/j.econlet.2010.11.009 | School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wittenberg, M., School of Economics, University of Cape Town, South Africa | When asset indices are used in regressions the coefficients obtained are typically difficult to interpret. We show how lower bounds on expenditure effects can be extracted, if the relationship between the assets and expenditure can be calibrated on an auxiliary data set. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Asset index; Attenuation; Obesity; Proxy variables | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33847633972 | The impact of ecological variability on the reproductive endocrinology of wild female African elephants | Wittemyer G., Ganswindt A., Hodges K. | 2007 | Hormones and Behavior | 51 | 3 | 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.12.013 | Save the Elephants, P.O. Box 54667, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California at Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, 37077 Goettingen, Germany; Section of Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa | Wittemyer, G., Save the Elephants, P.O. Box 54667, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California at Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States; Ganswindt, A., Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, 37077 Goettingen, Germany, Section of Veterinary Wildlife Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa; Hodges, K., Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, 37077 Goettingen, Germany | Non-invasive endocrine methods enable investigation of the relationship between ecological variation and ovarian activity and how this impacts on demographic processes. The underlying physiological factors driving high variation in inter-calving intervals among multi-parous African elephants offer an interesting system for such an investigation. This study investigates the relationship between Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), an ecosystem surrogate measure of primary productivity, and fecal progestin concentrations among wild female elephants. Matched fecal samples and behavioral data on reproductive activity were collected from 37 focal individuals during the two-year study. Linear mixed models were used to explore the relationship between fecal 5α-pregnane-3-ol-20-one concentrations and the independent variables of NDVI, calf sex, female age, gestation day, and time since last parturition. Among both non-pregnant and pregnant females, fecal 5α-pregnane-3-ol-20-one concentrations were significantly correlated with time-specific NDVI indicating a strong relationship between ecological conditions and endocrine activity regulating reproduction. In addition, the age of a female and time since her last parturition impacted hormone concentrations. These results indicate that the identification of an individual's reproductive status from a single hormone sample is possible, but difficult to achieve in practice since numerous independent factors, particularly season, impact fecal hormone concentrations. Regardless of season, however, fecal 5α-pregnane-3-ol-20-one concentrations below 1 μg/g were exclusively collected from non-pregnant females, which could be used as a threshold value to identify non-pregnant individuals. Collectively the information generated contributes to a better understanding of environmental regulation of reproductive endocrinology in wild elephant populations, information salient to the management and manipulation of population dynamics in this species. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | African elephant; Demography; Ecology; Feces; Hormone; NDVI; Non-invasive; Population management; Progestogens; Reproduction | 3beta hydroxy 5alpha pregnan 20 one; animal experiment; article; behavior; birth; controlled study; demography; ecosystem restoration; elephant; endocrine function; evolutionary adaptation; feces analysis; female; genital system; gestation period; groups by age; hormone blood level; independent variable; multipara; nonhuman; ovary function; priority journal; productivity; reproduction; seasonal variation; sex ratio; statistical model; vegetation dynamics; 5-alpha-Dihydroprogesterone; Animals; Animals, Wild; Ecosystem; Elephants; Feces; Female; Gestational Age; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Reproduction; Seasons | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924346211 | Impact of NERICA adoption on incomes of rice-producing households in Northern Ghana | Wiredu A.N., Asante B.O., Martey E., Diagne A., Dogbe W. | 2014 | Journal of Sustainable Development | 7 | 1 | 10.5539/jsd.v7n1p167 | CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana; Rural Development Theory and Policy, Institute of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana; UNE Business School, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice), Cotonou, Benin | Wiredu, A.N., CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana, Rural Development Theory and Policy, Institute of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Asante, B.O., CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana, UNE Business School, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia; Martey, E., CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana; Diagne, A., Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice), Cotonou, Benin; Dogbe, W., CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana | The Multinational NERICA Rice Dissemination Project in Ghana promoted the adoption of NERICA varieties and complementary technologies. NERICA adoption was expected to increase rice production and the incomes of beneficiary households. This study assessed the impact of NERICA adoption on the incomes of rice-producing households in northern Ghana. With data from a cross-section of 150 systematically selected rice-producing households, the study revealed 36.7% adoption rate. Agriculture and rice production were the most important livelihood activities as they contributed 80% and 55.09% of total household income respectively. To control for endogeneity, the study used the local average treatment effect (LATE) estimation methodology and showed that NERICA adoption significantly increased rice income, agricultural income, per-capita income and total annual income by $196.52, $446.37, $0.44 and $498.44, respectively. The major recommendation from this study is the need to continue the promotion of the NERICA varieties by creating access to seeds of the varieties together with other productivity enhancing technologies. Efforts should be focused on the provision of marketing and roads infrastructure to induce access to input and product markets. | Adoption; Ghana; Impact; Income; Late; Nerica | None | CSIR, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955690695 | Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of Aloe ferox Mill. in loperamide-induced constipated rats | Wintola O.A., Sunmonu T.O., Afolayan A.J. | 2011 | Human and Experimental Toxicology | 30 | 5 | 10.1177/0960327110372647 | Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Wintola, O.A., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Sunmonu, T.O., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Aloe ferox Mill. is a widely used medicinal plant in South Africa for the treatment of many ailments including constipation. The present study evaluated the toxicological effect of aqueous leaf extract of the herb at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days on the haematological parameters as well as liver and kidney function indices in loperamide-induced constipated rats. The extract did not cause any significant (p > 0.05) effect on the kidney and liver-body weight ratio as well as the kidney function indices including serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium and potassium ions at all the dosages investigated. Whereas the serum levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and gamma glutamyl trasferase (GGT) were not affected, the elevated activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the untreated constipated animals were normalized following treatment with extract. The data obtained with respect to the haematological analysis indicated that the extracts had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the haematological parameters with the exception of lymphocyte count which was increased in the untreated constipated rats. This was however attenuated after administering the herb. The available evidence in this study suggests that A. ferox may be safe as an oral remedy for constipation. Generally, the effect of the extract compared favourably well with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation. © The Author(s) 2010. | Aloe ferox; function indices; haematological parameters; marker enzymes | alanine aminotransferase; albumin; alkaline phosphatase; Aloe ferox extract; aspartate aminotransferase; bilirubin; calcium ion; creatinine; gamma glutamyltransferase; loperamide; plant extract; potassium ion; senokot; unclassified drug; urea; uric acid; alanine aminotransferase blood level; albumin blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; Aloe; Aloe ferox; animal experiment; animal model; aqueous solution; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; body weight; calcium blood level; constipation; controlled study; creatinine blood level; drug safety; enzyme activity; gamma glutamyl transferase blood level; hematological parameters; kidney function; kidney mass; liver function; liver weight; lymphocyte count; male; nonhuman; plant leaf; potassium blood level; priority journal; protein blood level; rat; toxicity testing; urea blood level; uric acid blood level; Aloe; Animals; Body Weight; Constipation; Disease Models, Animal; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Loperamide; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Organ Size; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Toxicity Tests; Aloe ferox; Animalia; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84860993299 | Health impact assessment of industrial development projects: A spatio-temporal visualization | Winkler M.S., Krieger G.R., Divall M.J., Singer B.H., Utzinger J. | 2012 | Geospatial Health | 6 | 2 | None | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland; NewFields, LLC, Denver, CO 80202, United States; SHAPE Consulting Ltd., Pretoria 0062, South Africa; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States | Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland; Krieger, G.R., NewFields, LLC, Denver, CO 80202, United States; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd., Pretoria 0062, South Africa; Singer, B.H., Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Utzinger, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland | Development and implementation of large-scale industrial projects in complex eco-epidemiological settings typically require combined environmental, social and health impact assessments. We present a generic, spatio-temporal health impact assessment (HIA) visualization, which can be readily adapted to specific projects and key stakeholders, including poorly literate communities that might be affected by consequences of a project. We illustrate how the occurrence of a variety of complex events can be utilized for stakeholder communication, awareness creation, interactive learning as well as formulating HIA research and implementation questions. Methodological features are highlighted in the context of an iron ore development in a rural part of Africa. | Developing country; Health impact assessment; Industrial development project; Spatio-temporal visualization | iron derivative; Africa south of the Sahara; article; developing country; environment; geographic information system; geography; health; health care policy; health care quality; human; industry; instrumentation; methodology; mining; public health; rural population; statistics; time; visual field; Africa South of the Sahara; Developing Countries; Environment; Geographic Information Systems; Geography; Health Policy; Humans; Industry; Iron Compounds; Mining; Program Evaluation; Public Health; Rural Population; Time Factors; Visual Fields; World Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877022912 | Untapped potential of health impact assessment [Un potentiel inexploité de l'évaluation de l'impact sanitaire] | Winkler M.S., Krieger G.R., Divall M.J., Cissé G., Wielga M., Singer B.H., Tannera M., Utzingera J. | 2013 | Bulletin of the World Health Organization | 91 | 4 | 10.2471/BLT.12.112318 | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; New Fields, Denver, United States; SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Temkin Wielga and Hardt LLP, Denver, United States; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States | Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Krieger, G.R., New Fields, Denver, United States; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Cissé, G., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Wielga, M., Temkin Wielga and Hardt LLP, Denver, United States; Singer, B.H., Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States; Tannera, M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; Utzingera, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland | The World Health Organization has promoted health impact assessment (HIA) for over 20 years. At the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), HIA was discussed as a critical method for linking health to "green economy" and "institutional framework" strategies for sustainable development. In countries having a high human development index (HDI), HIA has been added to the overall assessment suite that typically includes potential environmental and social impacts, but it is rarely required as part of the environmental and social impact assessment for large development projects. When they are performed, project-driven HIAs are governed by a combination of project proponent and multilateral lender performance standards rather than host country requirements. Not surprisingly, in low-HDI countries HIA is missing from the programme and policy arena in the absence of an external project driver. Major drivers of global change (e.g. population growth and urbanization, growing pressure on natural resources and climate change) inordinately affect low- and medium-HDI countries; however, in such countries HIA is conspicuously absent. If the cloak of HIA invisibility is to be removed, it must be shown that HIA is useful and beneficial and, hence, an essential component of the 21st century's sustainable development agenda. We analyse where and how HIA can become fully integrated into the impact assessment suite and argue that the impact of HIA must not remain obscure. | None | health impact; human development index; population growth; public health; sustainable development; urbanization; World Health Organization; article; climate change; economic aspect; environmental impact assessment; environmental protection; health care policy; health impact assessment; health program; human; human development; population growth; social aspect; sustainable development; United Nations; urbanization; world health organization; Conservation of Natural Resources; Decision Making; Developing Countries; Environment; Health Impact Assessment; Humans; Policy; Population Dynamics; World Health; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907567195 | Baseline health conditions in selected communities of northern Sierra Leone as revealed by the health impact assessment of a biofuel project | Winkler M.S., Knoblauch A.M., Righetti A.A., Divall M.J., Koroma M.M., Fofanah I., Turay H., Hodges M.H., Utzinger J. | 2014 | International Health | 6 | 3 | 10.1093/inthealth/ihu031 | Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Northern Polytechnic, P.O. Box 32, Makeni, Sierra Leone; Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone | Winkler, M.S., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; Knoblauch, A.M., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; Righetti, A.A., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland; Divall, M.J., SHAPE Consulting Ltd, Pretoria, South Africa; Koroma, M.M., Northern Polytechnic, P.O. Box 32, Makeni, Sierra Leone; Fofanah, I., Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Turay, H., Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Hodges, M.H., Helen Keller International, P.O. Box 369, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Utzinger, J., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, Basel, Switzerland, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, Basel, Switzerland | Background: As biofuel projects may be associated with positive and negative effects on people's health and wellbeing, a health impact assessment was performed for the Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone (ABSL) project. We present data from the baseline health survey, which will provide a point of departure for future monitoring and evaluation activities. Methods: In December 2010, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in eight potentially affected communities. A broad set of clinical and parasitological indicators were assessed using standardised, quality-controlled procedures, including anthropometry and prevalence of anaemia, Plasmodium falciparum and helminth infections. Results: Complete datasets were obtained from 1221 individuals of 194 households and eight schools. Of children aged <5 years (n=586), 41.8% were stunted, 23.2% were underweight and 4.8% were wasted. Very high prevalences of anaemia and P. falciparum were found in children aged 6-59 months (n=571; 86.1% and 74.0%, respectively). Overall, 73.7% of women of reproductive age (n=395) were anaemic. In school-aged children (n=240), 27.9% had light- to moderate-intensity hookworm infections, whereas Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni were rare (<3% each). Conclusions: The detailed description of the baseline health conditions, in combination with future health surveys, will deepen the understanding of how a biofuel project impacts on community health in a rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa. © The Author 2014. | Anaemia; Health impact assessment; Helminth infection; Malaria; Nutritional status; Sierra Leone | albendazole; amodiaquine; artemether; praziquantel; biofuel; adolescent; adult; anemia; anthropometry; Article; Ascaris lumbricoides; child; cross-sectional study; female; health impact assessment; health survey; helminthiasis; hookworm infection; human; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; Plasmodium falciparum; prevalence; public health; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis; Sierra Leone; Trichuris trichiura; underweight; anemia; animal; ascariasis; Child Nutrition Disorders; health impact assessment; health status; infant; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Malaria, Falciparum; malnutrition; middle aged; nutritional status; preschool child; procedures; regression analysis; rural population; schistosomiasis mansoni; statistics and numerical data; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Anemia; Animals; Ascariasis; Biofuels; Child; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Impact Assessment; Health Status; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Regression Analysis; Rural Population; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Sierra Leone; Young Adult | None |
| None | None | Parkinsonism in a population of northern Tanzania: A community-based door-to-door study in combination with a prospective hospital-based evaluation | Winkler A.S., Tütüncü E., Trendafilova A., Meindl M., Kaaya J., Schmutzhard E., Kassubek J. | 2010 | Journal of Neurology | 257 | 5 | 10.1007/s00415-009-5420-z | Palliative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Mbulu, Manyara, Tanzania; Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; District General Hospital, Babati, Manyara, Tanzania | Winkler, A.S., Palliative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Mbulu, Manyara, Tanzania; Tütüncü, E., Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Trendafilova, A., Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Meindl, M., Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Kaaya, J., District General Hospital, Babati, Manyara, Tanzania; Schmutzhard, E., Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Kassubek, J., Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany | The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in sub-Saharan Africa is still a matter of debate. The few studies that have been conducted have shown prevalences lower than those in the western world. Whether this represents a genuine finding is unclear to date. In northern Tanzania, we have conducted a hospital-based evaluation and a community-based door-to-door study to assess the prevalence of Parkinsonism, including that of PD. Over a period of 8 months, all patients admitted to a mid-size rural hospital were screened for PD. In parallel, 1,569 people aged ≥50 years were recruited from the communities and assessed for PD with standard questions. Sampling was performed according to the method of "multistage cluster sampling." The questions had previously been tested in a pilot study prior to the survey. People who screened positive were examined by a specialist neurologist. In the hospital, eight of 740 people with neurological diagnoses had Parkinsonism, of whom three patients had a diagnosis of PD. In the community-based study, 18 people answered positively to least one of the 12 screening questions. However, the diagnosis of PD could not be confirmed by further examination in any of them. The prevalence of PD in northern Tanzania was found to be very low. This result would need confirmation in studies with larger populations, ideally of different African ethnicities. © 2009 Springer-Verlag. | Community-based study; Hospital-based study; Parkinson's disease; Prevalence; Tanzania | adult; Africa; aged; article; clinical article; community; ethnicity; evaluation; extrapyramidal syndrome; female; health survey; hospital; hospital admission; human; male; medical specialist; Parkinson disease; parkinsonism; physical examination; pilot study; population; prevalence; priority journal; screening; Tanzania; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease; Parkinsonian Disorders; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Rural Population; 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-s2.0-84879605246 | Causes of variable reproductive performance by Southern Ground-hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri and implications for management | Wilson G., Hockey P.A.R. | 2013 | Ibis | 155 | 3 | 10.1111/ibi.12042 | Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Wilson, G., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Hockey, P.A.R., Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Range occupancy of the cooperatively breeding Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri in South Africa has decreased by 65% in the last three generations and the effective management of the remaining populations is hampered by a lack of fundamental understanding of the factors determining reproductive performance. We examined the influence of social and environmental factors on the species' reproductive success in South Africa using data gathered from 23 groups over eight breeding seasons. Some groups had access to artificial nest-sites, others did not. High rainfall (> 500 mm) over the breeding season led to a decrease in reproductive success, with groups being most successful in years when rain in the vicinity of the nest ranged from 300 to 500 mm. Groups breeding in natural nests were successful only when the proportion of open woodland surrounding the nest-site was high. Those that bred in artificial nests, where overall breeding success was more than twice as high as those in natural nests, were less dependent on the availability of open woodland. Large groups (more than three birds) bred more successfully than groups comprising only two to three individuals. Group size, helper effects and rainfall cannot be managed to increase the productivity of Ground-Hornbills but the fact that the availability of artificial nest-sites and the amount of open woodland around the nest-site both contribute positively to breeding performance identifies practical and simple management options for increasing the reproductive output of Southern Ground-Hornbill populations. © 2013 British Ornithologists' Union. | Artificial nest-sites; Breeding success; Conservation; Cooperative breeding; Rainfall; Social effects | artificial nest; bird; breeding season; cooperative breeding; environmental factor; fecundity; group size; habitat availability; nest site; precipitation (climatology); range size; reproductive productivity; reproductive success; social organization; species conservation; South Africa; Aves; Bucorvus leadbeateri | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892546519 | The politics of youth violence in Rumuekpe and its impact on Rumuekpe community development, 2004-2010 | Wilson G. | 2013 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 4 | 6 | 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p73 | Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wilson, G., Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | The study centered on politics of youth violence and its impact on Rumuekpe community development, within the period of 2004 - 2010. Rumuekpe is one of the oil producing communities in Niger Delta region of Nigeria and is noted for their peaceful coexisted and friendly relationship with their guests and neighbours. Suddenly, the communities were thrown into violence due to the inability of the community youth leadership to ensure the accountability of their government and operate all inclusive government, and insincerity in activities of the oil companies operating in Rumuekpe to effectively enforce community development programme in Rumuekpe. The unsatisfactory activities of the youth leadership resulted to agitation by some factions of the youths for a change of the youth leadership, coupled with the ill activities of the oil multinationals, the aggrieved youths were left with no option than to embark on intensive agitation for a change of youth leadership, and community development by oil multinationals. Unfortunately, the agitation graduated to youth violence in Rumuekpe. To that effect, the study is aimed at identifying the causes and effects of the violence on Rumuekpe people and community development. Secondary and primary data were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Our findings proved that the violence was caused by agitation for change in youth leadership and poor activities of Shell in Rumuekpe community. The study showed that the violence had negative impact on Rumuekpe people, community development, oil multinationals and Nigerian state. Based on that, the study made some recommendations on the modalities to avoid future youth violence and achieve community development in Rumuekpe in particular, and Niger Delta Region at large. | And oil multinationals; Community development; Politics; Youth leadership; Youth violence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903559734 | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958726865 | Evaluation of the World Health Organization algorithm for the diagnosis of HIV-associated sputum smear-negative tuberculosis | Wilson D., Mbhele L., Badri M., Morroni C., Nachega J., Chaisson R.E., Maartens G. | 2011 | International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease | 15 | 7 | 10.5588/ijtld.10.0440 | Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, 3216, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of International Health and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg, School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of International Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Wilson, D., Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, 3216, South Africa, Department of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria, South Africa; Mbhele, L., Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, 3216, South Africa; Badri, M., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Morroni, C., Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Nachega, J., Department of International Health and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg, School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of International Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Chaisson, R.E., Department of International Health and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg, School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of International Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Maartens, G., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | BACKGROUND: Outcomes from the World Health Organization's (WHO's) recommendations for the diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis (SNTB) in high human immunodeficiency virus prevalence settings are unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively applied the WHO algorithm for SNTB without danger signs to a prospectively enrolled cohort of ambulatory adult SNTB suspects in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants fulfilling specified criteria for SNTB started empiric anti-tuberculosis treatment; the rest of the cohort was observed. All were followed for 8 weeks. Confirmed TB was defined as positive culture or granulomata plus acid-fast bacilli on histology. RESULTS: In total, 221 participants retrospectively fulfilled the WHO ambulatory SNTB algorithm entry criteria. The diagnostic performance of the WHO algorithm was: positive predictive value 0.34 (95%CI 0.26-0.43), negative predictive value 0.86 (95%CI 0.76-0.92), positive likelihood ratio 1.43 (95%CI 1.34-1.48), negative likelihood ratio 0.46 (95%CI 0.38-0.56) and diagnostic odds 3.1 (95%CI 1.52-6.34). Losses to follow-up (n = 4), hospitalisations (n = 6) and deaths (n = 5) did not differ significantly in those who were and were not diagnosed with SNTB. CONCLUSIONS: The WHO ambulatory SNTB algorithm had a reasonably high negative predictive value but low positive predictive value. Mortality over an 8-week period was low in participants who met the entry criteria for the WHO algorithm. © 2011 The Union. | HIV; Performance; Smear-negative tuberculosis; WHO recommendations | adult; article; cohort analysis; female; follow up; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; mortality; practice guideline; predictive value; priority journal; retrospective study; smear negative tuberculosis; sputum smear; tuberculosis; world health organization; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Algorithms; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Sputum; Tuberculosis; World Health Organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251585957 | Performance of serum c-reactive protein as a screening test for smear-negative tuberculosis in an ambulatory high HIV prevalence population | Wilson D., Badri M., Maartens G. | 2011 | PLoS ONE | 6 | 1 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0015248 | Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Wilson, D., Department of Medicine, Edendale Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Badri, M., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Maartens, G., Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Delayed diagnosis has contributed to the high mortality of sputum smear-negative tuberculosis (SNTB) in high HIV prevalence countries. New diagnostic strategies for SNTB are urgently needed. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific inflammatory protein that is usually elevated in patients with tuberculosis, but its role in the diagnosis of tuberculosis is uncertain. Methodology/Principal Findings: To determine the diagnostic utility of CRP we prospectively evaluated the performance of CRP as a screening test for SNTB in symptomatic ambulatory tuberculosis suspects followed up for 8 weeks in KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa. Confirmed tuberculosis was defined as positive culture or acid-fast bacilli with granulomata on histology, and possible tuberculosis as documented response to antitubercular therapy. The CRP quotient was defined as a multiple of the upper limit of normal of the serum CRP result. Three hundred and sixty four participants fulfilled entry criteria: 135 (37%) with confirmed tuberculosis, 114 (39%) with possible tuberculosis, and 115 (24%) without tuberculosis. The median CRP quotient was 15.4 (IQR 7.2; 23.3) in the confirmed tuberculosis group, 5.8 (IQR 1.4; 16.0) in the group with possible tuberculosis, and 0.7 (IQR 0.2; 2.2) in the group without tuberculosis (p<0.0001). The CRP quotient above the upper limit of normal had sensitivity 0.98 (95% CI 0.94; 0.99), specificity 0.59 (95% CI 0.50; 0.68), positive predictive value 0.74 (95% CI 0.67; 0.80), negative predictive value 0.96 (95% CI 0.88; 0.99), and diagnostic odds ratio 63.7 (95% CI 19.1; 212.0) in the confirmed tuberculosis group compared with the group without tuberculosis. Higher CRP quotients improved specificity at the expense of sensitivity. Significance: In high HIV prevalence settings a normal CRP could be a useful test in combination with clinical evaluation to rule out tuberculosis in ambulatory patients. Point-of-care CRP should be further evaluated in primary care clinics. © 2011 Wilson et al. | None | C reactive protein; tuberculostatic agent; C reactive protein; acid fast bacterium; adult; article; bacterium culture; controlled clinical trial; diagnostic test accuracy study; diagnostic value; drug response; female; follow up; granuloma; histopathology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; major clinical study; male; predictive value; prevalence; primary health care; prospective study; protein analysis; protein blood level; screening test; sensitivity and specificity; South Africa; sputum smear; tuberculosis; AIDS related complex; evaluation; hospital information system; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; mass screening; methodology; standard; tuberculosis; Bacilli (class); Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; C-Reactive Protein; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Mass Screening; Point-of-Care Systems; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Sensitivity and Specificity; South Africa; Tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921693102 | Battling the Race: Stylizing Language and Coproducing Whiteness and Colouredness in a Freestyle Rap Performance | Williams Q.E., Stroud C. | 2014 | Journal of Linguistic Anthropology | 24 | 3 | 10.1111/jola.12064 | Linguistics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Williams, Q.E., Linguistics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa; Stroud, C., Linguistics Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | In the last 19 years of post-apartheid South African democracy, race remains an enduring and familiar trope, a point of certainty amid the messy ambiguities of transformation. In the present article, we explore the malleable, permeable, and unstable racializations of contemporary South Arica, specifically the way in which coloured and white racializations are negotiated and interactionally accomplished in the context of Capetonian hip-hop. The analysis reveals the complex ways in which racialized bodies are figured semiotically through reference to historical time and contemporary (translocal) social space. But also the way iconic features of blackness are reindexicalized to stand for a transnational whiteness. © 2015 by the American Anthropological Association. | Colouredness; Hip-hop; Performance; Race; Stylization; Whiteness | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-61849180910 | Contaminated land clean-up using composted wastes and impacts of VOCs on land | Williamson J.C., Akinola M., Nason M.A., Tandy S., Healey J.R., Jones D.L. | 2009 | Waste Management | 29 | 5 | 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.11.015 | School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Williamson, J.C., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Akinola, M., Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Nason, M.A., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Tandy, S., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Healey, J.R., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom; Jones, D.L., School of the Environment and Natural Resources, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales, United Kingdom | This paper describes experiments that demonstrate the effects and potential for remediation of a former steelworks site in Wales polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Under field conditions, PAH-contaminated soil was composted in-vessel, with or without organic feedstocks, receiving forced aeration for 80 days followed by 4 months maturation. Treatments compared PAH removal in contaminated soil to contaminated soil mixed with three different organic waste mixes after composting and after composts were spread to land. After composting, PAH concentrations declined in all treatments, by up to 38%. Sixteen months after the composts were landspread and vegetation was established, only those containing contaminated soil with organic additions exhibited further PAH removal, by up to 29%. Composting resulted in a decline in the relative concentration of small PAHs, whereas the landspreading-vegetation phase saw a decline in the relative concentration of medium PAHs in two of the three composts exhibiting PAH removal. Under controlled glasshouse conditions, vegetated soil columns of differing depths were exposed to VOCs from beneath. VOC vapour affected both shoot and root growth and soil microbial activity; effects varied with distance from the VOC source. This work demonstrated that on-site remediation of aged PAH-contaminated land can be successfully initiated by in-vessel co-composting followed by land spreading and vegetation, within a practical timeframe. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | None | Co-composting; Composted wastes; Contaminated lands; Contaminated soils; Field conditions; Forced aerations; Glasshouse conditions; In vessels; Landspreading; Organic feedstocks; Organic wastes; Relative concentrations; Root growths; Site remediations; Soil columns; Soil microbial activities; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Composting; Contamination; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Sewage; Soil pollution; Soil structure interactions; Soils; Vegetation; Volatile organic compounds; Waste treatment; Remediation; compost; contaminated land; PAH; soil pollution; volatile organic compound; waste management; Environmental Pollution; Environmental Remediation; Metallurgy; Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Soil; Volatile Organic Compounds; Wales | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953252394 | Monitoring solar home systems with pulse width modulation charge control | Williams N.J., Van Dyk E.E., Vorster F.J. | 2011 | Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME | 133 | 2 | 10.1115/1.4003586 | Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Williams, N.J., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Van Dyk, E.E., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Vorster, F.J., Centre for Energy Research, Department of Physics, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | With the high cost of grid extension and approximately 1.6 billion people still living without electrical services, the solar home system is an important technology in the alleviation of rural energy poverty across the developing world. The performance monitoring and analysis of these systems provide insights leading to improvements in system design and implementation in order to ensure high quality and robust energy supply in remote locations. Most small solar home systems now use charge controllers using pulse width modulation (PWM) to regulate the charge current to the battery. A rapid variation in current and voltage resulting from PWM creates monitoring challenges, which, if not carefully considered in the design of the monitoring system, can result in the erroneous measurement of photovoltaic (PV) power. In order to characterize and clarify the measurement process during PWM, a mathematical model was developed to reproduce and simulate measured data. The effects of matched scan and PWM frequency were studied with the model, and an algorithm was devised to select appropriate scan rates to ensure that a representative sample of measurements is acquired. Furthermore, estimation methods were developed to correct for measurement errors due to factors such as nonzero "short circuit" voltage and current/voltage peak mismatches. A more sophisticated algorithm is then discussed to more accurately measure PV power using highly programmable data loggers. The results produced by the various methods are compared and reveal a significant error in the measurement of PV power without corrective action. Estimation methods prove to be effective in certain cases but are susceptible to error during conditions of variable irradiance. The effect of the measurement error has been found to depend strongly on the duty cycle of PWM as well as the relationship between scan rate and PWM frequency. The energy measurement error over 1 day depends on insolation and system conditions as well as on system design. On a sunny day, under a daily load of about 20 A h, the net error in PV energy is found to be 1%, whereas a system with a high initial battery state of charge under similar conditions and no load produced an error of 47.6%. This study shows the importance of data logger selection and programming in monitoring accurately the energy provided by solar home systems. When appropriately considered, measurement errors can be avoided or reduced without investment in more expensive measurement equipment. © 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers. | measuring errors; monitoring; pulse width modulation; solar home system | Battery state of charge; Charge control; Charge controllers; Charge current; Corrective actions; Data logger; Developing world; Duty cycles; Electrical services; Energy measurements; Estimation methods; Grid extension; High costs; High quality; Measured data; Measurement equipment; Measurement process; Measuring errors; Monitoring system; No load; Performance monitoring and analysis; Pulse width; PV energy; Rapid variation; Remote location; Representative sample; Robust energy; Rural energy; Scan rates; Short circuit; solar home system; System conditions; System design; Algorithms; Design; Developing countries; Energy utilization; Estimation; Instruments; Investments; Lead acid batteries; Mathematical models; Measurement errors; Modulation; Potential flow; Pulse width modulation; Solar buildings; Solar energy; Systems analysis; Monitoring | None |
| None | None | Dispensary level pilot implementation of rapid diagnostic tests: An evaluation of RDT acceptance and usage by providers and patients - Tanzania, 2005 | Williams H.A., Causer L., Metta E., Malila A., O'Reilly T., Abdulla S., Kachur S.P., Bloland P.B. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-239 | International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mail Stop F-60, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Australia; Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre (IHRDC), Tanzania; Malaria Branch, CDC, United States | Williams, H.A., International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mail Stop F-60, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Causer, L., National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Australia; Metta, E., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre (IHRDC), Tanzania; Malila, A., Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre (IHRDC), Tanzania; O'Reilly, T., Malaria Branch, CDC, United States; Abdulla, S., National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Australia; Kachur, S.P., Malaria Branch, CDC, United States; Bloland, P.B., Malaria Branch, CDC, United States | Background. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) may assist in diagnosis, improve prescribing practices and reduce potential drug resistance development. Without understanding operational issues or acceptance and usage by providers and patients, the costs of these tests may not be justified. Objectives. To evaluate the impact of RDTs on prescribing behaviours, assess prescribers' and patients' perceptions, and identify operational issues during implementation. Methods. Baseline data were collected at six Tanzanian public dispensaries. RDTs were implemented for eight weeks and data collected on frequency of RDT use, results, malaria diagnoses and the prescription of antimalarials. Patients referred for RDTs completed a standardised exit interview. Qualitative methods assessed attitudes toward and satisfaction with RDTs, perceptions about the test and operational issues related to implementation. Results. Of 595 patients at baseline, 200 (33%) were diagnosed clinically with malaria but had a negative RDT. Among the 2519 RDTs performed during implementation, 289 (11.5%) had a negative result and antimalarials prescribed. The proportion of "over-prescriptions" at baseline was 54.8% (198/365). At weeks four and eight this decreased to 16.1% (27/168) and 16.4% (42/256) respectively. A total of 355 patient or parent/caregiver and 21 prescriber individual interviews and 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Patients, caregivers and providers trusted RDT results, agreed that use of RDTs was feasible at dispensary level, and perceived that RDTs improved clinical diagnosis. Negative concerns included community suspicion and fear that RDTs were HIV tests, the need for additional supervision in interpreting the results, and increased work loads without added compensation. Conclusion. Overprescriptions decreased over the study period. There was a high degree of patient/caregiver and provider acceptance of and satisfaction with RDTs. Implementation should include community education, sufficient levels of training and supervision and consideration of the need for additional staff. © 2008 Williams et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; ambulatory care; article; caregiver; clinical evaluation; diagnostic test; diagnostic value; health care personnel; health care utilization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; information processing; interview; major clinical study; malaria; parental attitude; patient attitude; patient referral; perception; prescription; preventive health service; Tanzania; workload; attitude to health; health center; malaria; pilot study; psychological aspect; sensitivity and specificity; standard; statistics; Tanzania; Community Health Centers; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Humans; Malaria; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pilot Projects; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-40849123775 | Synthesis and evaluation of phosphine-N ligands in transition metal-catalysed C{single bond}C bond forming reactions | Williams D.B.G., Pretorius M. | 2008 | Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical | 284 | 42371 | 10.1016/j.molcata.2008.01.007 | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Williams, D.B.G., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Pretorius, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | A series of phosphino-imine and the corresponding phosphino-amine P,NR ligands (R = alkyl, aryl) was synthesised from the commercially available starting material 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde, including P,N bi-, tri- and tetradentate imine ligands, their secondary amine analogues, and also the methylated tertiary amine equivalents. As an extension, some P,NPPh2 and P,NPCy2 derivatives were also prepared from the same starting material. All of these ligands were successfully applied in catalytic reactions (Heck, cross-coupling and hydroformylation), and benchmarked against traditional ligands with satisfying results. While providing catalyst systems that were stable and generally acceptably active in comparison with the benchmarks, the Pd-ligand catalyst systems of this study were found to be especially active in Stille reactions. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catalysis; Ligands; Palladium; Rhodium | Catalysis; Crosslinking; Ligands; Reaction rates; Synthesis (chemical); Catalyst systems; Catalytic reactions; Secondary amines; Tetradentate imine ligands; Transition metal compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650392878 | Drying of organic solvents: Quantitative evaluation of the efficiency of several desiccants | Williams D.B.G., Lawton M. | 2010 | Journal of Organic Chemistry | 75 | 24 | 10.1021/jo101589h | Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Williams, D.B.G., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Lawton, M., Research Centre for Synthesis and Catalysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Various commonly used organic solvents were dried with several different drying agents. A glovebox-bound coulometric Karl Fischer apparatus with a two-compartment measuring cell was used to determine the efficiency of the drying process. Recommendations are made relating to optimum drying agents/conditions that can be used to rapidly and reliably generate solvents with low residual water content by means of commonly available materials found in most synthesis laboratories. The practical method provides for safer handling and drying of solvents than methods calling for the use of reactive metals, metal hydrides, or solvent distillation. © 2010 American Chemical Society. | None | Commonly used; Drying agent; Drying process; Gloveboxes; Karl Fischer; Measuring cells; Metal hydrides; Practical method; Quantitative evaluation; Reactive metals; Residual water content; Curing; Distillation; Driers (materials); Hydrides; Organic solvents; Water content; Drying; desiccant; metal; organic solvent; water; article; cell assay; coulometry; distillation; drying; high temperature procedures; quantitative analysis; reliability; synthesis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938590827 | Evaluation of Fingerstick Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay in HIV-Infected Persons: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study | Williams D.A., Kiiza T., Kwizera R., Kiggundu R., Velamakanni S., Meya D.B., Rhein J., Boulware D.R. | 2015 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 61 | 3 | 10.1093/cid/civ263 | University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States; Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Williams, D.A., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Kiiza, T., Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Kwizera, R., Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Kiggundu, R., Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Velamakanni, S., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States; Meya, D.B., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda, College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Rhein, J., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States, Infectious Diseases Institute, P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda, Uganda; Boulware, D.R., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States | Background. Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. The cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) lateral flow assay (LFA) has simplified diagnosis as a point-of-care test approved for serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We evaluated the accuracy of the CRAG LFA using fingerstick whole blood compared with serum/plasma and CSF for diagnosing meningitis. Methods. From August 2013 to August 2014, CRAG LFA (IMMY, Norman, Oklahoma) tests were performed on fingerstick whole blood, plasma/serum, and CSF in 207 HIV-infected adults with suspected meningitis in Kampala, Uganda. Venous blood was also collected and centrifuged to obtain serum and/or plasma. CSF was tested after lumbar puncture. Results. Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) had fingerstick CRAG-positive results. There was 100% agreement between fingerstick whole blood and serum/plasma. Of the 149 fingerstick CRAG-positive participants, 138 (93%) had evidence of cryptococcal meningitis with a positive CSF CRAG. Eleven participants (5%) had isolated cryptococcal antigenemia with a negative CSF CRAG and culture, of whom 8 had CSF abnormalities (n = 3 lymphocytic pleocytosis, n = 5 elevated protein, n = 4 increased opening pressure). No persons with cryptococcal meningitis had negative fingersticks. Conclusions. The 100% agreement between whole blood, serum, and plasma CRAG LFA results demonstrates that fingerstick CRAG is a reliable bedside diagnostic test. Using point-of-care CRAG testing simplifies screening large numbers of patients and enables physicians to prioritize on whom to measure CSF opening pressure using manometers. © 2015 The Author 2015. | cryptococcal meningitis; cryptococcus; HIV; lateral flow assay; point-of-care systems | adult; Article; cerebrospinal fluid; clinical evaluation; clinical trial; cost effectiveness analysis; cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay; cryptococcal meningitis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; evidence based practice; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; immunology test kit; lumbar puncture; major clinical study; male; molecular diagnostics; plasma; point of care testing; priority journal; prospective study; serum; Uganda; venous blood | K24AI096925, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; R01NS086312, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; R25TW009345, NIAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; T32AI055433, NIAID, National I |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-46749110693 | "Coming to town": The impact of urbanicity, cigarette advertising, and network norms on the smoking attitudes of black women in Cape Town, South Africa | Williams C.T., Grier S.A., Marks A.S. | 2008 | Journal of Urban Health | 85 | 4 | 10.1007/s11524-008-9286-7 | School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; American University, Washington, DC, United States; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8044, United States | Williams, C.T., School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Grier, S.A., American University, Washington, DC, United States, Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8044, United States; Marks, A.S., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa | This study was conducted to examine the effect of urban living on smoking attitudes among black African women in South Africa. We examine how urbanicity affects attitudes toward smoking and how it moderates the relationship between both advertising exposure and network norms on black women's smoking attitudes. Respondents were 975 black women currently living in Cape Town townships, some of which were raised in rural villages or small towns. Respondents completed a cross-sectional survey, which included data on smoking attitudes, norms, and exposure to cigarette advertising. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with smoking attitudes as the response variable, and urbanicity, cigarette advertising exposure, and network smoking norms as primary explanatory variables. Interactions were tested to determine whether urbanicity modified the effect of advertising exposure and network norms on smoking attitudes. Independent effects of urbanicity, exposure to cigarette advertising, and greater smoking prevalence within women's networks were associated with more favorable smoking attitudes. In addition, urbanicity moderated the relationship between network smoking norms and smoking attitudes, but not cigarette advertising exposure and smoking attitudes. Urbanicity, cigarette advertising, and networks play important roles in women's attitudes toward smoking, and potentially, smoking behavior. Overall, our results suggest that strong and creative anti-smoking efforts are needed to combat the potential for a smoking epidemic among an increasingly urbanized population of black women in South Africa and similar emerging markets. Additional research is warranted. © 2008 The New York Academy of Medicine. | Cigarette advertising; Smoking attitudes; South Africa; Urbanicity; Women's health | adolescent; adult; advertizing; article; attitude to health; cigarette smoking; female; human; major clinical study; prevalence; priority journal; smoking habit; social network; South Africa; urban population; urban rural difference; Adolescent; Adult; Advertising as Topic; African Continental Ancestry Group; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Linear Models; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; Smoking; South Africa; Urban Population; Women's Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746456905 | The potential impact of male circumcision on HIV in sub-Saharan Africa | Williams B.G., Lloyd-Smith J.O., Gouws E., Hankins C., Getz W.M., Hargrove J., De Zoysa I., Dye C., Auvert B. | 2006 | PLoS Medicine | 3 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030262 | World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Policy, Evidence, and Partnerships Department, Geneva, Switzerland; South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa; World Health Organization, Family and Community Health, Geneva, Switzerland; INSERM, Saint Maurice, France; University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, Saint Maurice, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Pare, Boulogne, France | Williams, B.G., World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Lloyd-Smith, J.O., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; Gouws, E., Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Policy, Evidence, and Partnerships Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Hankins, C., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Getz, W.M., Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States; Hargrove, J., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa; De Zoysa, I., World Health Organization, Family and Community Health, Geneva, Switzerland; Dye, C., World Health Organization, Stop TB Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Auvert, B., INSERM, Saint Maurice, France, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Ile-de-France-Ouest, Saint Maurice, France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Ambroise Pare, Boulogne, France | Background: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) has shown that male circumcision (MC) reduces sexual transmission of HIV from women to men by 60% (32%-76%; 95% CI) offering an intervention of proven efficacy for reducing the sexual spread of HIV. We explore the implications of this finding for the promotion of MC as a public health intervention to control HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods and Findings: Using dynamical simulation models we consider the impact of MC on the relative prevalence of HIV in men and women and in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Using country level data on HIV prevalence and MC, we estimate the impact of increasing MC coverage on HIV incidence, HIV prevalence, and HIV-related deaths over the next ten, twenty, and thirty years in sub-Saharan Africa. Assuming that full coverage of MC is achieved over the next ten years, we consider three scenarios in which the reduction in transmission is given by the best estimate and the upper and lower 95% confidence limits of the reduction in transmission observed in the RCT. MC could avert 2.0 (1.1-3.8) million new HIV infections and 0.3 (0.1-0.5) million deaths over the next ten years in sub-Saharan Africa. In the ten years after that, it could avert a further 3.7 (1.9-7.5) million new HIV infections and 2.7 (1.5-5.3) million deaths, with about one quarter of all the incident cases prevented and the deaths averted occurring in South Africa. We show that a) MC will increase the proportion of infected people who are women from about 52% to 58%; b) where there is homogenous mixing but not all men are circumcised, the prevalence of infection in circumcised men is likely to be about 80% of that in uncircumcised men; c) MC is equivalent to an intervention, such as a vaccine or increased condom use, that reduces transmission in both directions by 37%. Conclusions: This analysis is based on the result of just one RCT, but if the results of that trial are confirmed we suggest that MC could substantially reduce the burden of HIV in Africa, especially in southern Africa where the prevalence of MC is low and the prevalence of HIV is high. While the protective benefit to HIV-negative men will be immediate, the full impact of MC on HIV-related illness and death will only be apparent in ten to twenty years. © 2006 Williams et al. | None | Africa; article; circumcision; condom; health care; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection control; mathematical analysis; mortality; prevalence; public health service; sexual behavior; sexual transmission; vaccination; Africa south of the Sahara; circumcision; cultural anthropology; disease transmission; female; forecasting; male; randomized controlled trial (topic); South Africa; statistics; theoretical model; utilization review; Africa South of the Sahara; Circumcision, Male; Culture; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Female; Forecasting; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Male; Models, Theoretical; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexual Behavior; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80052962337 | Epidemiological impact of tenofovir gel on the HIV epidemic in South Africa | Williams B.G., Abdool Karim S.S., Karim Q.A., Gouws E. | 2011 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 58 | 2 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3182253c19 | South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), 19 Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; South Africa and Department of Epidemiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, NY, United States; Strategic Intelligence and Analysis Division, UNAIDS-Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland | Williams, B.G., South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), 19 Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Abdool Karim, S.S., South Africa and Department of Epidemiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, NY, United States; Karim, Q.A., South Africa and Department of Epidemiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Columbia University, NY, United States; Gouws, E., Strategic Intelligence and Analysis Division, UNAIDS-Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland | Background: Tenofovir gel, an antiretroviral-based vaginal microbicide, reduced HIV acquisition by 39% in women in a recent randomized controlled clinical trial in South Africa. Methods: To inform policy, we used a dynamical model of HIV transmission, calibrated to the epidemic in South Africa, to determine the population-level impact of this microbicide on HIV incidence, prevalence, and deaths and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness. Results: If women use tenofovir gel in 80% or more of sexual encounters (high coverage), it could avert 2.33 (0.12 to 4.63) million new infections and save 1.30 (0.07 to 2.42) million lives and if used in 25% of sexual encounters (low coverage), it could avert 0.50 (0.04 to 0.77) million new infections and save 0.29 (0.02 to 0.44) million deaths, over the next 20 years. At US $0.50 per application, the cost per infection averted at low coverage is US $2392 (US $562 to US $4222) and the cost per disability-adjusted life year saved is US $104 (US $27 to US $181); at high coverage the costs are about 30% less. Conclusions: Over 20 years, the use of tenofovir gel in South Africa could avert up to 2 million new infections and 1 million AIDS deaths. Even with low rates of gel use, it is highly cost-effective and compares favorably with other control methods. This female-controlled prevention method could have a significant impact on the epidemic of HIV in South Africa. Programs should aim to achieve gel use in more than 25% of sexual encounters to significantly alter the course of the epidemic. © 2011 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | cost effectiveness; HIV prevention; microbicide gel; South Africa; tenofovir | microbicide; tenofovir; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; cost effectiveness analysis; disability; epidemic; female; gel; health care cost; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; mortality; prevalence; priority journal; sexual intercourse; South Africa; virus transmission; Adenine; Anti-HIV Agents; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Models, Biological; Phosphonic Acids; Prevalence; South Africa; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79953797150 | Evaluation and pharmacovigilance of projects promoting cultivation and local use of Artemisia annua for malaria | Willcox M.L., Burton S., Oyweka R., Namyalo R., Challand S., Lindsey K. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-84 | Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Rural Extension for Africa's Poor (REAP), PO Box 6173, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya; Anamed Uganda, Masaka, Uganda; Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany | Willcox, M.L., Department of Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom; Burton, S., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Department of Medical Anthropology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Oyweka, R., Rural Extension for Africa's Poor (REAP), PO Box 6173, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya; Namyalo, R., Anamed Uganda, Masaka, Uganda; Challand, S., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany; Lindsey, K., Research Initiative for Traditional Antimalarial Methods, Oxford, United Kingdom, Anamed International, Winnenden, Germany | Background: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are promoting the use of Artemisia annua teas as a home-based treatment for malaria in situations where conventional treatments are not available. There has been controversy about the effectiveness and safety of this approach, but no pharmacovigilance studies or evaluations have been published to date. Method. A questionnaire about the cultivation of A. annua, treatment of patients, and side-effects observed, was sent to partners of the NGO Anamed in Kenya and Uganda. Some of the respondents were then selected purposively for more in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: Eighteen partners in Kenya and 21 in Uganda responded. 49% reported difficulties in growing the plant, mainly due to drought. Overall about 3,000 cases of presumed malaria had been treated with A. annua teas in the previous year, of which about 250 were in children and 54 were in women in the first trimester of pregnancy. The commonest problem observed in children was poor compliance due to the bitter taste, which was improved by the addition of sugar or honey. Two miscarriages were reported in pregnant patients. Only four respondents reported side-effects in other patients, the commonest of which was vomiting. 51% of respondents had started using A. annua tea to treat illnesses other than malaria. Conclusions: Local cultivation and preparation of A. annua are feasible where growing conditions are appropriate. Few adverse events were reported even in children and pregnant women. Where ACT is in short supply, it would make sense to save it for young children, while using A. annua infusions to treat older patients who are at lower risk. An ongoing pharmacovigilance system is needed to facilitate reporting of any adverse events. © 2011 Willcox et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antimalarial agent; sugar; Artemisia annua; article; bitter taste; child; diarrhea; drought; drug eruption; drug induced headache; drug surveillance program; feasibility study; female; first trimester pregnancy; health promotion; honey; human; interview; Kenya; malaria; male; plant breeding; pruritus; questionnaire; risk; spontaneous abortion; tea; Uganda; vomiting | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746298345 | The design of an ERT system for 3D data acquisition and a quantitative evaluation of its performance | Wilkinson A.J., Randall E.W., Long T.M., Collins A. | 2006 | Measurement Science and Technology | 17 | 8 | 10.1088/0957-0233/17/8/006 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wilkinson, A.J., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Randall, E.W., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Long, T.M., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Collins, A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa | This paper describes a multi-plane implementation of a current-pulse electrical resistance tomography (ERT) data capture system. This is achieved by extending a single plane system, with 16 electrodes and 16 parallel measurement channels, to a one capable of acquiring data in a specified sequence across multiple planes (up to eight) by inserting multiplexer modules in parallel between the instrument and the electrode array. This approach allows high-speed capture systems to be configured for applications such as dual plane cross-correlation velocity measurements or more complex current injection and measurement sequences yielding 3D data sets. The measurement timing and multiplexer measurement sequences are implemented by an embedded processor. Both the executable code and the measurement sequence tables are downloaded to the instrument at start-up. This allows flexibility in specifying the data acquisition sequences and timing required for specific applications without modification of the hardware or embedded code. The effect of measurement noise on the estimated conductivity is quantified and spatial resolution discussed for the case of a 2D online imaging algorithm. Example reconstructions from recorded data sets are presented which verify the operation of the instrument. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd. | 3D; Current pulse; Electrical resistance tomography; ERT; Multiplexing; Noise; Resolution | Acoustic noise; Data acquisition; Electrodes; Multiplexing; Optical resolving power; Tomography; Current pulse; Electrical resistance tomography (ERT); High-speed capture systems; Multiplexer modules; Electric resistance; Acoustic noise; Data acquisition; Electric resistance; Electrodes; Multiplexing; Optical resolving power; Tomography | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920278542 | Kathu Pan 1 points and the assemblage-scale, probabilistic approach: A response to Rots and Plisson, "Projectiles and the abuse of the use-wear method in a search for impact" | Wilkins J., Schoville B.J., Brown K.S., Chazan M. | 2015 | Journal of Archaeological Science | 54 | None | 10.1016/j.jas.2014.12.003 | Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, PO Box 872402, Tempe, AZ, United States; Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | Wilkins, J., Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, PO Box 872402, Tempe, AZ, United States; Schoville, B.J., Institute of Human Origins, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, PO Box 872402, Tempe, AZ, United States; Brown, K.S., Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Chazan, M., Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street, Toronto, ON, Canada | Rots and Plisson (2014) question our conclusion that 500,000-year-old points from Kathu Pan 1, South Africa were used as spear tips (Wilkins etal., 2012). However, their reinterpretation of the fractures we identify as diagnostic impact fractures are incorrect. Despite the assertion, knapping processes alone do not explain the basal modifications on the KP1 points. Although Rots and Plisson are critical of the edge damage distribution method, it provides objective, quantitative and statistical comparisons of experimental and archaeological datasets. The data we present stand as reliable evidence for early hafted hunting technology. We suggest that the disagreement stems from a differing perspective on how lithic functional studies should deal with equifinality and the challenge of confidently assessing stone tool function. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Diagnostic impact fractures; Edge damage distribution; Functional analysis; Hafting; Hunting technology; Lithic analysis; Middle stone age; Points; Spears; Use-wear | archaeological evidence; hunting; Mesolithic; probability; tool use; South Africa | BCS-0524087, NSF, National Science Foundation; BCS-1138073, NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867747561 | The effect of frother type and dosage on flotation performance in the presence of high depressant concentrations | Wiese J., Harris P. | 2012 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.03.028 | Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wiese, J., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Harris, P., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The use of high dosages of polysaccharide depressants in order to depress the undesired naturally floatable gangue (NFG) present in ores beneficiated from the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, results in a significant decrease in the stability of flotation froths. These unstable froths can result in restricted mass pull and decreased valuable mineral recovery. Previous work using a single polyglycol ether type frother, DOW 200, has shown that an increase in frother dosage could be used to overcome the destabilisation of the froth to a certain extent and improve valuable mineral recovery. This resulted in an increase in water recovery and dilution of the concentrate by entrained material. This work extends this study to examine the effect of using a stronger frother, DOW 250, on the recovery of sulphide minerals and floatable gangue from a Merensky ore at different dosages of guar gum and CMC, which are typically used as depressants in the processing of Merensky ore. Results indicate that an increase in the strength of the frother resulted in a more robust froth. Depressant type also had an influence on results obtained. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation depressants; Flotation frothers; Froth flotation; Precious metal ores | Bushveld Complex; Floatable gangue; Flotation depressants; Flotation frothers; Flotation froths; Flotation performance; Frothers; Guar gums; Merensky ore; Mineral recovery; Polyglycol ethers; Precious metal ores; South Africa; Water recovery; Ethers; Froth flotation; Ores; Precious metals; Recovery; Ore treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33751367681 | New observations on shatter cones in the Vredefort impact structure, South Africa, and evaluation of current hypotheses for shatter cone formation | Wieland F., Reimold W.U., Gibson R.L. | 2006 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 41 | 11 | None | Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Museum for Natural History (Mineralogy), Humboldt University, Invalidenstrasse 43, D-10115 Berlin, Germany | Wieland, F., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa, Museum for Natural History (Mineralogy), Humboldt University, Invalidenstrasse 43, D-10115 Berlin, Germany; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Shatter cones have been described from many meteorite impact structures and are widely regarded as a diagnostic macroscopic recognition feature for impact. However, the origin of this meso- to macroscopic striated fracture phenomenon has not yet been satisfactorily resolved, and the timing of shatter cone formation in the cratering process still remains enigmatic. Here, previous results from studies of shatter cones from the Vredefort impact structure and other impact structures are discussed in the light of new field observations made in the Vredefort Dome. Contrary to earlier claims, Vredefort cone fractures do not show uniform apex orientations at any given outcrop, nor do small cones show a pattern consistent with the previously postulated "master cone" concept. Simple back-rotation of impact-rotated strata to a horizontal pre-impact position also does not lead to a uniform centripetal-upward orientation of the cone apices. Striation patterns on the cone surfaces are variable, ranging from the typically diverging pattern branching off the cone apex to subparallel-to-parallel patterns on almost flat surfaces. Striation angles on shatter cones do not increase with distance from the center of the dome, as alleged in the literature. Instead, a range of striation angles is measured on individual shatter cones from a specific outcrop. New observations on small-scale structures in the collar around the Vredefort Dome confirm the relationship of shatter cones with subparallel sets of curviplanar fractures (so-called multipli-striated joint sets, MSJS). Pervasive, meter-scale tensile fractures cross-cut shatter cones and appear to have formed after the closely spaced MSJ-type fractures. The results of this study indicate that none of the existing hypotheses for the formation of shatter cones are currently able to adequately explain all characteristics of this fracturing phenomenon. Therefore, we favor a combination of aspects of different hypotheses that includes the interaction of elastic waves, as supported by numerical modeling results and which reasonably explains the variety of shatter cone shapes, the range of striation geometries and angles, and the relationship of closely spaced fracture systems with the striated surfaces. In the light of the currently available theoretical basis for the formation of shatter cones, the results of this investigation lead to the conclusion that shatter cones are tensile fractures and might have formed during shock unloading, after the passage of the shock wave through the target rocks. © The Meteoritical Society, 2006. | None | cratering; impact structure; meteorite; numerical model; shatter cone; striation; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29244457231 | Structural analysis of the collar of the Vredefort Dome, South Africa - Significance for impact-related deformation and central uplift formation | Wieland F., Gibson R.L., Reimold W.U. | 2005 | Meteoritics and Planetary Science | 40 | 42623 | None | Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Wieland, F., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Landsat TM, aerial photograph image analysis, and field mapping of Witwatersrand supergroup meta-sedimentary strata in the collar of the Vredefort Dome reveals a highly heterogeneous internal structure involving folds, faults, fractures, and melt breccias that are interpreted as the product of shock deformation and central uplift formation during the 2.02 Ga Vredefort impact event. Broadly radially oriented symmetric and asymmetric folds with wavelengths ranging from tens of meters to kilometers and conjugate radial to oblique faults with strike-slip displacements of, typically, tens to hundreds of meters accommodated tangential shortening of the collar of the dome that decreased from ∼17% at a radius from the dome center of 21 km to <5% at a radius of 29 km. Ubiquitous shear fractures containing pseudotachylitic breccia, particularly in the metapelitic units, display local slip senses consistent with either tangential shortening or tangential extension; however, it is uncertain whether they formed at the same time as the larger faults or earlier, during the shock pulse. In addition to shatter cones, quartzite units show two fracture types - a cm-spaced rhomboidal to orthogonal type that may be the product of shock-induced deformation and later joints accomplishing tangential and radial extension. The occurrence of pseudotachylitic breccia within some of these later joints, and the presence of radial and tangential dikes of impact melt rock, confirm the impact timing of these features and are suggestive of late-stage collapse of the central uplift. © The Meteoritical Society, 2005. | None | deformation; impact structure; structural geology; uplift; Africa; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84955308397 | Socio-economic impacts of the deployment of improved fuel efficient stoves: The ILF uganda commercialization program | Wiedmer D., Jouslin-de-Noray P., Graveaud F., Jahangiri V. | 2015 | Field Actions Science Report | 8 | None | None | ENEA Consulting, 89 rue Réaumur, Paris, France; International Lifeline Fund, P.O. Box 70, Adol Palino Road, Lira, Uganda | Wiedmer, D., ENEA Consulting, 89 rue Réaumur, Paris, France; Jouslin-de-Noray, P., ENEA Consulting, 89 rue Réaumur, Paris, France; Graveaud, F., ENEA Consulting, 89 rue Réaumur, Paris, France; Jahangiri, V., International Lifeline Fund, P.O. Box 70, Adol Palino Road, Lira, Uganda | Biomass accounts for 91% of the total energy used in Uganda, but is often used unsustainably: if deforestation continues at the present rate, it could lead to the destruction of all Ugandan forests by 2050. As a consequence, wood and charcoal are becoming scarce and their price is increasing. Fuel Efficient Stoves are a way to tackle these issues by decreasing the amount of biomass used for cooking. International Lifeline Fund (ILF) has launched in 2008 the cookstove Uganda Commercialization Program in the region of Lira. The program consists in the local production of improved Fuel Efficient Stoves and their selling to households by local vendors. The socio-economic impacts of this program, both on end users and on the local economy, have been studied during a field mission conducted by ENEA Consulting in 2012. The ILF Fuel Efficient Stoves reduce the domestic consumption of charcoal and energetic expenditures. Interviews of end users confirmed that they feel safer with ILF Fuel Efficient Stoves than with previous devices. They also perceive a reduction of health problems linked to domestic air pollution and an increase in women’s free time. Users also report a positive impact on domestic life as the use of the cookstove reduces the quarrels between husbands and wives by keeping meals warm and ready. Finally, the main local economic benefit along the value chain of the project appears to be the direct creation of several long-term full-time jobs. Possible improvements of the business model will be suggested, in particular to ensure its long-term economic viability. © Author(s) 2015. | Biomass; Charcoal; Cookstoves; Economic impacts; FES; Fuel efficient stoves; Social impacts; Uganda | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911449292 | Evaluation of a low-tech method, pepper–grease, for combatting elephant crop-raiding activities in Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana | Wiafe E.D., Sam M.K. | 2014 | Pachyderm | 55 | None | None | Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Presbyterian University College, PO Box 393, Akropong, Akuapem, Ghana; Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, Western Regional Office, Takoradi, Ghana | Wiafe, E.D., Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Presbyterian University College, PO Box 393, Akropong, Akuapem, Ghana; Sam, M.K., Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission, Western Regional Office, Takoradi, Ghana | Alow-tech method for preventing elephants from destroying farms around Kakum Conservation Area in Ghana was assessed to evaluate its efficacy in warding off marauding elephants. Sixty fenced and 60 unfenced farms located at the peripheries of the protected area were selected and each inspected regularly for 12 months. One hundred twenty farmers were interviewed on the use of the pepper–grease fence to determine their level of knowledge of the efficacy of the method. In 75% of the fenced farms, elephants came close to the fence but never crossed it; they never visited 20% of these farms and only 5% attempted to break through or enter. Of the farms that were not fenced at all, elephants raided 75% completely. Most of the respondents (76.7%) had good knowledge of the pepper fence. Their major sources of information were the staff of the Wildlife Division and agricultural extension agents (54.5%); 31.1% had heard about it from other farmers. Only 14.4% got their knowledge from observing other farmers. In practice, 26.7% said they used it effectively, 22.2% partially, and 51.1% did not practise the method at all. Cost and difficulty of acquiring materials were the main issues affecting lack of adoption. The results support the recommendation that government and non-governmental agencies supply inputs to farmers consistently. © 2014, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. All rights reserved. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79958784557 | The impact of HIV and AIDS research: A case study from Swaziland | Whiteside A., Henry F.E. | 2011 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 9 | SUPPL. 1 | 10.1186/1478-4505-9-S1-S9 | Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa | Whiteside, A., Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Henry, F.E., Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background: Swaziland is experiencing the world's worst HIV and AIDS epidemic. Prevalence rose from four percent of antenatal clinic attendees in 1992 to 42.6 percent in 2004. The Report 'Reviewing 'Emergencies' for Swaziland: Shifting the Paradigm in a New Era' published in 2007 bought together social and economic indicators. It built a picture of the epidemic as a humanitarian emergency, requiring urgent action from international organisations, donors, and governments. Following a targeted communications effort, the report was believed to have raised the profile of the issue and Swaziland - a success story for HIV and AIDS research.Methods: Keen to understand how, where and why the report had an impact, Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division commissioned an assessment to track and evaluate the influence of the research. This tapped into literature on the significance of understanding the research-to-policy interface. This paper outlines the report and its impact. It explores key findings from the assessment and suggests lessons for future research projects.Results: The paper demonstrates that, although complex, and not without methodological issues, impact assessment of research can be of real value to researchers in understanding the research-to-policy interface.Conclusion: Only by gaining insight into this process can researchers move forward in delivering effective research. © 2011 Whiteside and Henry; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; article; epidemic; health care policy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical research; Swaziland | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-82555194430 | Comparative cost and performance of light-emitting diode microscopy in HIV-tuberculosis-co-infected patients | Whitelaw A., Peter J., Sohn H., Viljoen D., Theron G., Badri M., Davids V., Pai M., Dheda K. | 2011 | European Respiratory Journal | 38 | 6 | 10.1183/09031936.00023211 | Division of Medical Microbiology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Clinical Research Support Unit, Dept. of Medicine, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Dept. of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Dept. of Infection, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Whitelaw, A., Division of Medical Microbiology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa, National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Peter, J., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Sohn, H., Dept. of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Viljoen, D., Division of Medical Microbiology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Theron, G., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Badri, M., Clinical Research Support Unit, Dept. of Medicine, South Africa; Davids, V., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa; Pai, M., Dept. of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Dheda, K., Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and Clinical Immunology, UCT Lung Institute, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Dept. of Infection, University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Light-emitting diode (LED) microscopy has recently been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it is unclear whether LED is as accurate and cost-effective as Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) microscopy or mercury vapour fluorescence microscopy (MVFM) in tuberculosis (TB)-HIV-co-infected subjects. Direct and concentrated sputum smears from TB suspects were evaluated using combinations of LED microscopy, ZN microscopy and MVFM. Median reading time per slide was recorded and a cost analysis performed. Mycobacterial culture served as the reference standard. 647 sputum samples were obtained from 354 patients (88 (29.8%) were HIV-infected and 161 (26%) were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Although overall sensitivity of LED compared with ZN microscopy or MVFM was similar, sensitivity of all three modalities was lower in HIV-infected patients. In the HIV-infected group, the sensitivity of LED microscopy was higher than ZN microscopy using samples that were not concentrated (46 versus 39%; p=0.25), and better than MVFM using concentrated samples (56 versus 44; p50.5). A similar trend was seen in the CD4 count <200 cells·mL -1 subgroup. Median (interquartile range) reading time was quicker with LED compared with ZN microscopy (1.8 (1.7-1.9) versus 2.5 (2.2-2.7) min; p≤0.001). Average cost per slide read was less for LED microscopy (US$1.63) compared with ZN microscopy (US$2.10). Among HIV-TB-co-infected patients, LED microscopy was cheaper and performed as well as ZN microscopy or MVFM independent of the staining (ZN or auramine O) or processing methods used. | HIV; Light-emitting diode microscopy; Smear microscopy; Tuberculosis | adult; article; bacterium culture; CD4 lymphocyte count; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; LED microscopy; light emitting diode; major clinical study; male; mercury vapor fluorescence microscopy; microscopy; mixed infection; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; priority journal; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; sputum smear; standard; tuberculosis; Ziehl Neelsen microscopy; Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Coinfection; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Humans; Male; Microscopy; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Staining and Labeling; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-13244291492 | Performance analysis of the linearly constrained constant modulus algorithm-based multiuser detector | Whitehead J.B., Takawira F. | 2005 | IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing | 53 | 2 I | 10.1109/TSP.2004.840781 | Sch. Elec., Electron./Comp. Eng., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | Whitehead, J.B., Sch. Elec., Electron./Comp. Eng., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Takawira, F., Sch. Elec., Electron./Comp. Eng., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa | This paper quantifies the adaptive performance of a blind adaptive multiuser detector (MUD) based on the linearly constrained constant modulus algorithm (LCCMA) in both a stationary and nonstationary channel. A framework is developed to apply the feedback analysis method to analyzing adaptive MUD schemes. A closed-form expression for the excess mean square error (EMSE) of LCCMA blind adaptive MUD in a CDMA communications system is derived for both of the steady-state and tracking cases. The effects of additive noise and multiple access interference are considered. A transient analysis is performed that predicts the learning curve of the adaptive filter. Computer simulation is used to verify the accuracy of the analysis. © 2005 IEEE. | Blind adaptive multiuser detection; Code division multiple access; Constant modulus algorithm; Excess mean square error; Feedback analysis; Steady-state analysis; Tracking analysis | Adaptive algorithms; Adaptive filtering; Approximation theory; Code division multiple access; Communication channels (information theory); Computer simulation; Mathematical models; Signal interference; Signal receivers; Transmitters; Vectors; White noise; Adaptive filter; Additive white Gaussian noise; Blind adaptive multiuser detection; Constant modulus algorithm; Excess mean square error; Feedback analyis; Steady state analysis; Tracking analysis; Signal detection | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67650113627 | South African Law of evidence as it applies to the child witness: A Critical evaluation | Whitear-Nei N. | 2009 | Journal of Psychology in Africa | 19 | 1 | None | University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Faculty of Law, Pietermaritzburg Campus, P.O. Box X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Whitear-Nei, N., University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Faculty of Law, Pietermaritzburg Campus, P.O. Box X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | This article examines aspects of the South African criminal justice system which are of particular relevance to the child witness, and the reception of testimony by the court. The author focuses on: 1) the need to prepare the child witness for the experience in court, 2) establishing the competence of the child witness, 3) the procedure for swearing In a child who does not understand the religious sanctity of the oath, 4) the use of an intermediary to convey the child's testimony to court, 5) circumstances in which the child does not have to enter the court room to testify, 6) the admissibility of pre recorded videotaped statements of the child witness, 7) the evaluation of the child's evidence, and 8) whether the adversarial model of criminal justice is appropriate In the context of the child witness. The article concludes by suggesting that reform is needed in these areas. Copyright © 2009 Journal of Psychology in Africa. | Child witness; Evaluation; Law of evidence; South africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34547962470 | Evaluating the performance of sampling plans to detect fumonisin Bi in maize lots marketed in Nigeria | Whitaker T.B., Doko M., Maestroni B.M., Slate A.B., Ogunbanwo B.F. | 2007 | Journal of AOAC International | 90 | 4 | None | U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; North Carolin | Whitaker, T.B., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; Doko, M., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; Maestroni, B.M., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Agrochemicals Unit, IAEA/FAO Biotechnology Laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria; Slate, A.B., North Carolina State University, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625; Ogunbanwo, B.F., National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mycotoxin Unit, Oshodi Central Laboratories, Lagos, Nigeria | Fumonisins are toxic and carcinogenic compounds produced by fungi that can be readily found in maize. The establishment of maximum limits for fumonisins requires the development of scientifically based sampling plans to detect fumonisin in maize. As part of an International Atomic Energy Agency effort to assist developing countries to control mycotoxin contamination, a study was conducted to design sampling plans to detect fumonisin in maize produced and marketed in Nigeria. Eighty-six maize lots were sampled according to an experimental protocol in which an average of 17 test samples, 100 g each, were taken from each lot and analyzed for fumonisin B1 by using liquid chromatography. The total variability associated with the fumonisin test procedure was measured for each lot. Regression equations were developed to predict the total variance as a function of fumonisin concentration. The observed fumonisin distribution among the replicated-sample test results was compared with several theoretical distributions, and the negative binomial distribution was selected to model the fumonisin distribution among test results. A computer model was developed by using the variance and distribution information to predict the performance of sampling plan designs to detect fumonisin in maize shipments. The performance of several sampling plan designs was evaluated to demonstrate how to manipulate sample size and accept/reject limits to reduce misclassification of maize lots. | None | Contamination; Fungi; Liquid chromatography; Marketing; Mathematical models; Toxic materials; Binomial distribution; Computer models; Fumonisins; Maize; Theoretical distributions; Drug products; fumonisin; fumonisin B1; article; chemistry; dose response; food analysis; food contamination; high performance liquid chromatography; liquid chromatography; maize; metabolism; methodology; Nigeria; plant; regression analysis; reproducibility; sample size; statistical model; theoretical model; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Liquid; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Food Analysis; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Models, Statistical; Models, Theoretical; Nigeria; Plants; Regression Analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Sample Size; Zea mays; Fungi; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-75149191449 | Development of a performance-rating scale for a nutrition knowledge test developed for adolescents | Whati L., Senekal M., Steyn N.P., Lombard C., Nel J. | 2009 | Public Health Nutrition | 12 | 10 | 10.1017/S1368980008004679 | CDL Unit, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Logistics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Whati, L., CDL Unit, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Senekal, M., Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Steyn, N.P., CDL Unit, South African Medical Research Council, PO Box 19070, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa; Lombard, C., Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Nel, J., Department of Logistics, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Objective The objectives of the present study were to (i) develop and validate a norm-referenced performance-rating scale to interpret a nutrition knowledge test developed for urban adolescents and (ii) develop a prototype for other researchers to follow when developing nutrition knowledge tests.Design For norm development the nutrition knowledge test (questionnaire) was administered to a sample representative of the questionnaire target group, referred to as the norm group. These included 512 adolescents in grades 8 (n 158), 10 (n 149) and 12 (n 205) at three randomly selected schools in Soweto and Johannesburg. The performance scores (in percentages) obtained by the norm group were transformed to Z-scores which were categorised into stanines using established Z-score cut-off points. For validation purposes the questionnaire was completed by 148 volunteers: sixty university dietetics students, nineteen non-nutrition university students and sixty-nine primary-school teachers.Results As required of an ideal norm group, the Z-scores formed a normal distribution (a bell-shaped curve). To facilitate interpretation of the results, the Z-score cut-off points for these categories were transformed back to performance scores (percentages) so that the performance of a testee could be interpreted directly from his/her performance in percentage. As is recommended, the nine stanine categories were reduced to five: very poor, fair/below average, good/average, very good/above average and excellent. The discriminatory validity of the norms was substantiated by showing that groups with known nutrition knowledge levels were rated appropriately and that the performance ratings of these groups differed significantly, with university dietetics students scoring 98.3 %, primary-school teachers 20.3 % and non-nutrition university students 31.6 %.Conclusions The norm-referenced performance-rating scale can be used with confidence to interpret the performance score achieved by a testee on the nutrition knowledge test developed for urban adolescents in South Africa. The methodology used in the study serves as a prototype for other researchers who are developing knowledge tests. | Adolescents; Knowledge questionnaire; Nutrition knowledge; Rating scale | adolescent; adult; article; attitude to health; human; normal distribution; nutrition; nutritional science; questionnaire; reference value; South Africa; urban population; validation study; Adolescent; Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Normal Distribution; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Sciences; Questionnaires; Reference Values; South Africa; Urban Population; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940943140 | Impact of soil moisture on extreme maximum temperatures in Europe | Whan K., Zscheischler J., Orth R., Shongwe M., Rahimi M., Asare E.O., Seneviratne S.I. | 2015 | Weather and Climate Extremes | 9 | None | 10.1016/j.wace.2015.05.001 | The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, The University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Department for Biogeochemical Integration, Jena, Germany; Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; South African Weather Service, Climate and Environment Research and Monitoring, Pretoria, South Africa; Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran; Department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana | Whan, K., The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, The University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Zscheischler, J., Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Department for Biogeochemical Integration, Jena, Germany; Orth, R., Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Shongwe, M., South African Weather Service, Climate and Environment Research and Monitoring, Pretoria, South Africa; Rahimi, M., Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran; Asare, E.O., Department of Physics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana; Seneviratne, S.I., Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland | Land-atmosphere interactions play an important role for hot temperature extremes in Europe. Dry soils may amplify such extremes through feedbacks with evapotranspiration. While previous observational studies generally focused on the relationship between precipitation deficits and the number of hot days, we investigate here the influence of soil moisture ( SM) on summer monthly maximum temperatures ( TXx) using water balance model-based SM estimates (driven with observations) and temperature observations. Generalized extreme value distributions are fitted to TXx using SM as a covariate. We identify a negative relationship between SM and TXx, whereby a 100. mm decrease in model-based SM is associated with a 1.6. °C increase in TXx in Southern-Central and Southeastern Europe. Dry SM conditions result in a 2-4. °C increase in the 20-year return value of TXx compared to wet conditions in these two regions. In contrast with SM impacts on the number of hot days (NHD), where low and high surface-moisture conditions lead to different variability, we find a mostly linear dependency of the 20-year return value on surface-moisture conditions. We attribute this difference to the non-linear relationship between TXx and NHD that stems from the threshold-based calculation of NHD. Furthermore the employed SM data and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) are only weakly correlated in the investigated regions, highlighting the importance of evapotranspiration and runoff for resulting SM. Finally, in a case study for the hot 2003 summer we illustrate that if 2003 spring conditions in Southern-Central Europe had been as dry as in the more recent 2011 event, temperature extremes in summer would have been higher by about 1. °C, further enhancing the already extreme conditions which prevailed in that year. © 2015. | Extreme temperatures; Extreme value theory; Generalized extreme value; Land-atmosphere interactions; Quantile regression; Soil moisture | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247381211 | Generation and evaluation of a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine for rabies | Weyer J., Rupprecht C.E., Mans J., Viljoen G.J., Nel L.H. | 2007 | Vaccine | 25 | 21 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.02.084 | University of Pretoria, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Zoonosis, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Division of Applied Biotechnology, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa | Weyer, J., University of Pretoria, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Rupprecht, C.E., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Zoonosis, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Mans, J., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Division of Applied Biotechnology, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Viljoen, G.J., Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Division of Applied Biotechnology, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa; Nel, L.H., University of Pretoria, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) has become a vaccine vector of choice for recombinant vaccine development. A MVA-based rabies vaccine would be advantageous for use as a vaccine for dogs (and wildlife), particularly if it proves innocuous and efficacious by the oral route. Here, the generation and immunological testing of a recombinant MVA expressing a rabies virus glycoprotein gene is described. In a murine model, higher dosages of recombinant MVA were needed to induce equivocal immune responses as with Vaccinia Copenhagen or Vaccinia Western Reserve recombinants, when administered by a parenteral route. The MVA recombinant was not immunogenic or efficacious when administered per os in naïve mice. The ability of the recombinant MVA to induce anamnestic responses in dogs and raccoons was also investigated. Recombinant MVA boosted humoral immune responses in these animals when administered peripherally, but not when administered orally. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Modified vaccinia virus Ankara; Oral vaccine; Rabies vaccine | modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine; rabies vaccine; rabies virus glycoprotein; recombinant modified vaccinia virus ankara virus vector; unclassified drug; vaccinia copenhagen virus vaccine; vaccinia copenhagen virus vector; vaccinia vaccine; vaccinia western reserve vaccine; vaccinia western reserve virus vector; virus vector; animal cell; animal experiment; animal model; article; comparative study; controlled study; drug efficacy; female; gene; humoral immunity; immune response; immunogenicity; immunological procedures; mouse; nonhuman; priority journal; rabies; rabies virus glycoprotein gene; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Cell Line; Chickens; Cricetinae; Dogs; Female; Glycoproteins; Immunologic Memory; Mesocricetus; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Models, Animal; Neutralization Tests; Rabies; Rabies Vaccines; Rabies virus; Raccoons; Vaccines, Synthetic; Vaccinia virus; Viral Envelope Proteins | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869174458 | Specific performance as a remedy in international sales contracts | Wethmar-Lemmer M. | 2012 | Tydskrif vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reg | None | 4 | None | Private International Law, University of South Africa, South Africa | Wethmar-Lemmer, M., Private International Law, University of South Africa, South Africa | [No abstract available] | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872296918 | Sensitivity of narrow- and wideband LNA performance to individual transistor model parameters | Weststrate M., Mukherjee A., Sinha S., Schroter M. | 2013 | International Journal of Electronics | 100 | 1 | 10.1080/00207217.2012.680789 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Electron Devices and Integrated Circuits, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany | Weststrate, M., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Mukherjee, A., Electron Devices and Integrated Circuits, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany; Sinha, S., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Schroter, M., Electron Devices and Integrated Circuits, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany | Although it is desirable for a transistor model to be as accurate as possible, the extraction of model parameters from fabricated transistors is a time-consuming and often costly process. An investigation of the sensitivity of low-noise amplifier (LNA) performance characteristics to individual parameters of the physics-based standard HBT model HICUM/L2 was, therefore, done to gain a preliminary insight into the most important parameters for transistors used in actual circuits. This can potentially allow less strenuous accuracy requirements on some parameters which would ease the extraction process. Both a narrow- and wideband LNA configuration were investigated. It was found that the series resistance parameters have a large impact on LNA gain, S11 and noise figure performance in both cases. Since the narrow-band LNA relied heavily on the transistor characteristics to provide a proper matching, it was also very sensitive to changes in the parameters used in modelling the high-frequency current gain and depletion capacitances of the transistor. © 2013 Taylor and Francis. | HICUM; Inductive emitter degeneration; LC-ladder and capacitive feedback; Low-noise amplifier; Parameter variations; Sensitivity; Solid-state electronics devices | Capacitive feedback; Emitter degeneration; HICUM; Parameter variations; Sensitivity; Solid state electronics; Electric resistance; Sensitivity analysis; Transistors; Low noise amplifiers | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of a national universal coverage campaign of long-lasting insecticidal nets in a rural district in north-west Tanzania | West P.A., Protopopoff N., Rowland M.W., Kirby M.J., Oxborough R.M., Mosha F.W., Malima R., Kleinschmidt I. | 2012 | Malaria Journal | 11 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-11-273 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | West, P.A., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Protopopoff, N., Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Rowland, M.W., Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Kirby, M.J., Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom, National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania; Oxborough, R.M., Department of Disease Control, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Mosha, F.W., Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania; Malima, R., National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania; Kleinschmidt, I., MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom | Background: Insecticide-treated nets (ITN) are one of the most effective measures for preventing malaria. Mass distribution campaigns are being used to rapidly increase net coverage in at-risk populations. This study had two purposes: to evaluate the impact of a universal coverage campaign (UCC) of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) on LLIN ownership and usage, and to identify factors that may be associated with inadequate coverage. Methods: In 2011 two cross-sectional household surveys were conducted in 50 clusters in Muleba district, north-west Tanzania. Prior to the UCC 3,246 households were surveyed and 2,499 afterwards. Data on bed net ownership and usage, demographics of household members and household characteristics including factors related to socio-economic status were gathered, using an adapted version of the standard Malaria Indicator Survey. Specific questions relating to the UCC process were asked. Results: The proportion of households with at least one ITN increased from 62.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 60.9-64.2) before the UCC to 90.8% (95% CI = 89.0-92.3) afterwards. ITN usage in all residents rose from 40.8% to 55.7%. After the UCC 58.4% (95% CI = 54.7-62.1) of households had sufficient ITNs to cover all their sleeping places. Households with children under five years (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.9-2.9) and small households (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5-2.4) were most likely to reach universal coverage. Poverty was not associated with net coverage. Eighty percent of households surveyed received LLINs from the campaign. Conclusions: The UCC in Muleba district of Tanzania was equitable, greatly improving LLIN ownership and, more moderately, usage. However, the goal of universal coverage in terms of the adequate provision of nets was not achieved. Multiple, continuous delivery systems and education activities are required to maintain and improve bed net ownership and usage. © 2012 West et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Evaluation; LLIN; Malaria; Tanzania; Universal coverage; Vector control | adolescent; adult; article; bed net; child; cross-sectional study; demography; health program; household; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria control; poverty; preschool child; questionnaire; rural area; school child; social status; Tanzania; universal coverage campaign; Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Characteristics; Female; Health Services Research; Humans; Infant; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Malaria; Male; Mosquito Control; Ownership; Pregnancy; Rural Population; Tanzania; Universal Coverage | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891275522 | Prospective evaluation of a new visual prostate symptom score, the international prostate symptom score, and uroflowmetry in men with urethral stricture disease | Wessels S.G., Heyns C.F. | 2014 | Urology | 83 | 1 | 10.1016/j.urology.2013.08.058 | Department of Urology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Hospital, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Wessels, S.G., Department of Urology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Hospital, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Heyns, C.F., Department of Urology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Hospital, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa | Objective To evaluate the correlation between the visual prostate symptom score (VPSS) and the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry parameters in men with urethral stricture disease. The VPSS offers a nonverbal, pictographic assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Methods A total of 100 men followed up with a diagnosis of urethral stricture were evaluated from March 2011 to November 2012 with IPSS, VPSS, uroflowmetry, urethral calibration, and urethrography. Follow-up every 3 months for 3-18 months was available in 78 men for a total of 289 visits. Procedures performed were urethral dilation in 105, internal urethrotomy in 54, and urethroplasty in 8 patients. Statistical analysis was performed with Spearman's rank correlation, Fisher's exact, and Student t tests. Results The time taken to complete the VPSS vs IPSS was significantly shorter (118 vs 215 seconds at the first and 80 vs 156 seconds at follow-up visits; P <.001). There were significant correlations between the VPSS and IPSS (r = 0.845; P <.001), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax; r = 0.681; P <.001) and urethral diameter (r = -0.552; P <.001). A combination of VPSS >8 and Qmax <15 mL/s had positive and negative predictive values of 87% and 89%, respectively, for the presence of urethral stricture. Conclusion The VPSS correlates significantly with the IPSS, Qmax, and urethral diameter in men with urethral stricture disease and takes significantly less time to complete. A combination of VPSS >8 and Qmax <15 mL/s can be used to avoid further invasive evaluation during follow-up in men with urethral strictures. | None | adult; aged; article; calibration; educational status; follow up; human; International Prostate Symptom Score; lichen sclerosus et atrophicus; lower urinary tract symptom; major clinical study; male; middle aged; named inventories, questionnaires and rating scales; nocturia; postvoid residual urine volume; predictive value; priority journal; quality of life; urethra injury; urethra stricture; urethritis; urethrography; urethroplasty; urethrotomy; urinary frequency; urine flow rate; uroflowmetry; very elderly; visual prostate symptom score; young adult; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Symptom Assessment; Urethral Stricture; Urodynamics; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78149466944 | Impact of communal land use and conservation on woody vegetation structure in the Lowveld savannas of South Africa | Wessels K.J., Mathieu R., Erasmus B.F.N., Asner G.P., Smit I.P.J., van Aardt J.A.N., Main R., Fisher J., Marais W., Kennedy-Bowdoin T., Knapp D.E., Emerson R., Jacobson J. | 2011 | Forest Ecology and Management | 261 | 1 | 10.1016/j.foreco.2010.09.012 | Remote Sensing Research Unit, CSIR-Meraka Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; Ecosystem, Earth Observation, CSIR-Natural Resource and Environment, Pretoria, South Africa; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institute of Science, CA, United States; Kruger National Park Scientific Services, Skukuza, South Africa; Centre for Imaging Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States | Wessels, K.J., Remote Sensing Research Unit, CSIR-Meraka Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; Mathieu, R., Ecosystem, Earth Observation, CSIR-Natural Resource and Environment, Pretoria, South Africa; Erasmus, B.F.N., School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Asner, G.P., Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institute of Science, CA, United States; Smit, I.P.J., Kruger National Park Scientific Services, Skukuza, South Africa; van Aardt, J.A.N., Centre for Imaging Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States; Main, R., Ecosystem, Earth Observation, CSIR-Natural Resource and Environment, Pretoria, South Africa; Fisher, J., Ecosystem, Earth Observation, CSIR-Natural Resource and Environment, Pretoria, South Africa, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Marais, W., Remote Sensing Research Unit, CSIR-Meraka Institute, Pretoria, South Africa; Kennedy-Bowdoin, T., Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institute of Science, CA, United States; Knapp, D.E., Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institute of Science, CA, United States; Emerson, R., Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institute of Science, CA, United States; Jacobson, J., Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institute of Science, CA, United States | Millions of people rely on savannas for ecosystem services, such as the provision of grazing and fuel wood, so it is important to determine the extent to which utilization affects woody vegetation resources. Using airborne LiDAR from the Carnegie Airborne Observatory (CAO), we quantified and compared tree canopy cover and height distributions between areas of contrasting management in the Lowveld savanna region of South Africa - a region connecting communal landscapes with heavy utilization (especially fuel wood harvesting) to fully protected public (Kruger National Park - KNP) and private reserves (SabiSand Game Reserve - SSGR) that conserve biodiversity. Differences in total woody vegetation cover and cover within functional height classes (1-2. m, 2-3. m, 3-5. m, 5-7. m and >7. m) were investigated between 7 sites located within (i) conservation areas (in KNP, SSGR), (ii) communal rangelands or (iii) cultivated fields in communal areas. The impact of human utilization on wood resources in the communal areas varied widely between sites. Heavy utilization on gabbro substrate greatly reduced total woody cover of the rangelands, while two other communal rangelands that were presumably less intensively utilised had double the total woody cover of conservation areas. Rangelands and fields in most of the communal sites had more vegetation cover in the 5-7. m and >7. m classes than most of the conservation sites, presumably due to the absence of elephants in communal rangelands and the active preservation of large fruiting trees. On granite substrates, which account for the majority of the study area, there was a 50% reduction in woody cover below 5. m in communal rangelands. Although large trees were clearly being conserved in communal rangelands and fields, there was a relatively low cover of vegetation below 5. m, which raise doubts about recruitment and long-term sustainability of the tree resources. These results in conjunction with other studies based on the CAO LiDAR data for experimental burn plots and large mammal exclosures in KNP, suggest that communal land use on granite substrates have a higher impact on the woody cover below 5. m than both elephants and fire. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. | Communal land use; Fuel wood; Kruger National Park; LiDAR; Savanna; Woody vegetation structure | Communal land use; Fuel wood; LiDAR; National parks; Savanna; Woody vegetation; Biodiversity; Ecosystems; Fuels; Granite; Land use; Number theory; Optical radar; Parks; Substrates; Wood; Vegetation; airborne survey; biodiversity; canopy; ecosystem service; elephant; fuelwood; grazing; height; land use; lidar; observatory; rangeland; savanna; substrate; sustainability; vegetation cover; vegetation structure; veld; Biodiversity; Ecosystems; Forests; Fuels; Granite; Land Use; Plantations; Radar; Wood; Kruger National Park; South Africa; Elephantidae; Mammalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897132364 | Bank strategic and risk management: A survey to determine the impact of the current world financial crisis on future bank management in South Africa | Wessels B., Van Rooyen J.H. | 2010 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 8 | 1 D | None | University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Wessels, B., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Rooyen, J.H., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | The purpose of this research was to determine how the banks in South Africa perceive the future of bank management and banks risk management over the next couple of years within the context of the financial crisis that recently played out globally. It is clear from the survey results that South African (SA) banks were not affected as much by the crisis as some of their international counterparts. Primarily because of the credit legislations introduced in SA recently. Other reasons may be due to conservatism and sufficient capitalisation of banks and less involvement in global markets where major problems were experienced. The survey indicates that SA banks are prepared to learn from the crisis and are planning to improve financial risk management. Consolidation or centralisation of the risk management functions may be prevalent. According to the survey, liquidity risk management that used to be a fairly low risk management priority in previous bank and treasury surveys, now tops the list of important risks te better manage in the future. | Bank management; Bank risk management; Risk management; Subprime crisis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84923991691 | Quantifying the impact of accessibility on preventive healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa using mobile phone data | Wesolowski A., O'Meara W.P., Tatem A.J., Ndege S., Eagle N., Buckee C.O. | 2015 | Epidemiology | 26 | 2 | 10.1097/EDE.0000000000000239 | Department of Engineering and p'Ublic Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Medicine, Duke University and Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; School of Public Health Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Computer Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States | Wesolowski, A., Department of Engineering and p'Ublic Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; O'Meara, W.P., Department of Medicine, Duke University and Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States; Tatem, A.J., Department of Geography and Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Ndege, S., School of Public Health Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Eagle, N., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Computer Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Buckee, C.O., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, United States, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States | Background: Poor physical access to health facilities has been identified as an important contributor to reduced uptake of preventive health services and is likely to be most critical in low-income settings. However, the relation among physical access, travel behavior, and the uptake of healthcare is difficult to quantify.Methods: Using anonymized mobile phone data from 2008 to 2009, we analyze individual and spatially aggregated travel patterns of 14,816,521 subscribers across Kenya and compare these measures to (1) estimated travel times to health facilities and (2) data on the uptake of 2 preventive healthcare interventions in an area of western Kenya: childhood immunizations and antenatal care.Results: We document that long travel times to health facilities are strongly correlated with increased mobility in geographically isolated areas. Furthermore, we found that in areas with equal physical access to healthcare, mobile phone-derived measures of mobility predict which regions are lacking preventive care. Conclusions: Routinely collected mobile phone data provide a simple and low-cost approach to mapping the uptake of preventive healthcare in low-income settings. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. | None | Africa south of the Sahara; Article; child; female; health care access; health care facility; household; human; immunization; Kenya; lowest income group; major clinical study; mobile phone; prenatal care; preventive health service; priority journal; vulnerable population; adult; developing country; health care delivery; health care survey; infant; longitudinal study; pregnancy; preschool child; statistics and numerical data; time; travel; utilization; vaccination; Adult; Cell Phones; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Infant; Kenya; Longitudinal Studies; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Time Factors; Travel; Vaccination | FIC, National Institutes of Health; NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867325145 | Quantifying the impact of human mobility on malaria | Wesolowski A., Eagle N., Tatem A.J., Smith D.L., Noor A.M., Snow R.W., Buckee C.O. | 2012 | Science | 338 | 6104 | 10.1126/science.1223467 | Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; Department of Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Centre of Geographic Medicine, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Wesolowski, A., Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States, Department of Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; Eagle, N., College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Tatem, A.J., Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States; Smith, D.L., Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States; Noor, A.M., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Centre of Geographic Medicine, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, Centre of Geographic Medicine, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Buckee, C.O., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Human movements contribute to the transmission of malaria on spatial scales that exceed the limits of mosquito dispersal. Identifying the sources and sinks of imported infections due to human travel and locating high-risk sites of parasite importation could greatly improve malaria control programs. Here, we use spatially explicit mobile phone data and malaria prevalence information from Kenya to identify the dynamics of human carriers that drive parasite importation between regions. Our analysis identifies importation routes that contribute to malaria epidemiology on regional spatial scales. | None | disease transmission; epidemiology; health risk; infectious disease; malaria; mobility; movement; public health; quantitative analysis; article; body movement; disease carrier; disease transmission; emporiatrics; endemic disease; human; Kenya; malaria; malaria control; mobile phone; Plasmodium falciparum; prevalence; priority journal; seasonal variation; Kenya | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875754510 | The impact of biases in mobile phone ownership on estimates of human mobility | Wesolowski A., Eagle N., Noor A.M., Snow R.W., Buckee C.O. | 2013 | Journal of the Royal Society Interface | 10 | 81 | 10.1098/rsif.2012.0986 | Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Wesolowski, A., Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, United States; Eagle, N., College of Computer and Information Science, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Noor, A.M., Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health Cluster, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust-University of Oxford Collaborative Programme, PO Box 43630-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom; Buckee, C.O., Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States | Mobile phone data are increasingly being used to quantify the movements of human populations for a wide range of social, scientific and public health research. However, making population-level inferences using these data is complicated by differential ownership of phones among different demographic groups that may exhibit variable mobility. Here, we quantify the effects of ownership bias on mobility estimates by coupling two data sources from the same country during the same time frame. We analyse mobility patterns from one of the largest mobile phone datasets studied, representing the daily movements of nearly 15 million individuals in Kenya over the course of a year. We couple this analysis with the results from a survey of socioeconomic status, mobile phone ownership and usage patterns across the country, providing regional estimates of population distributions of income, reported airtime expenditure and actual airtime expenditure across the country. We match the two data sources and show that mobility estimates are surprisingly robust to the substantial biases in phone ownership across different geographical and socioeconomic groups. © 2013 The Authors. | Human mobility; Mobile phone; Socio-economic status | Demographic groups; Health research; Human mobility; Human population; Mobile phone datasets; Mobile phone datum; Mobility pattern; Socio-economic status; Cellular telephones; Economics; Estimation; Mobile phones; Population dynamics; Population statistics; Telephone sets; E-learning; article; human; income; Kenya; migration; mobile phone; ownership bias; social problem; social status; biological model; epidemiology; motor activity; physiology; socioeconomics; statistics; utilization review; Cellular Phone; Humans; Kenya; Models, Biological; Motor Activity; Selection Bias; Socioeconomic Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-76849089667 | Downsizing the Mjølnir impact structure, Barents Sea, Norway | Werner S.C., Torsvik T.H. | 2010 | Tectonophysics | 483 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.tecto.2009.08.036 | Norwegian Geological Survey, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; PGP, University of Oslo, Norway; Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa | Werner, S.C., Norwegian Geological Survey, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway, PGP, University of Oslo, Norway; Torsvik, T.H., Norwegian Geological Survey, Leiv Eirikssons vei 39, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway, PGP, University of Oslo, Norway, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa | Stratigraphic relationships indicate that the submarine Mjølnir impact structure in the SW Barents Sea is of Cretaceous age (~ 142 Ma) and the impact palaeolatitude is estimated at 56°N. Though the crater has been intensively studied, its dimensions at depth are uncertain. Density and magnetic susceptibility measurements of core samples are presented and used to interpret a newly available aeromagnetic survey and gravity data, and to model the potential field anomaly data of the area jointly, so as to constrain better the signature of the crater. Forward modelling suggests that the crater diameter is about 20 km, and thus needs downscaling to about half of the earlier proposed size. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Density and susceptibility measurements; Impact crater; Potential field interpretation | Aeromagnetic surveys; Barents sea; Crater diameter; Cretaceous age; Down-scaling; Forward modelling; Gravity data; Impact craters; Impact structures; Magnetic susceptibility measurements; Potential field; Susceptibility measurements; Magnetic susceptibility; Stratigraphy; aeromagnetic survey; crater; Cretaceous; impact structure; magnetic susceptibility; paleolatitude; potential field; Arctic Ocean; Barents Sea; Mjolnir Crater | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74149090850 | Creation and evaluation of EMR-based paper clinical summaries to support HIV-care in Uganda, Africa | Were M.C., Shen C., Bwana M., Emenyonu N., Musinguzi N., Nkuyahaga F., Kembabazi A., Tierney W.M. | 2010 | International Journal of Medical Informatics | 79 | 2 | 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2009.11.006 | Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States; Faculty of Computing and IT, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Were, M.C., Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Shen, C., Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Bwana, M., Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Emenyonu, N., Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, United States; Musinguzi, N., Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Nkuyahaga, F., Faculty of Computing and IT, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Kembabazi, A., Mbarara University of Science, Technology ISS Clinic, Mbarara, Uganda; Tierney, W.M., Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States | Purpose: Getting the right information to providers can improve quality of care. We set out to provide patient-specific Electronic Medical Record (EMR)-based clinical summaries for providers taking care of HIV-positive adult patients in the resource-limited setting of Mbarara, Uganda. Methods: We evaluated the impact of implementing these clinical summaries using time-motion techniques and provider surveys. Results: After implementation of EMR-based clinical summaries, providers spent more time in direct care of patients (2.9 min vs. 2.3 min, p < 0.001), and the length of patient visits was reduced by 11.5 min. Survey respondents indicated that clinical summaries improved care, reduced mistakes, and were generally accurate. Current antiretroviral medication, patient identifying information, adherence information, current medication, and current medical problems were among the highest-rated elements of the summary. Conclusions: By taking advantage of data stored in EMRs, efficiency and quality of care can be improved through clinical summaries, even in settings with limited resources. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Clinical decision support; Developing countries; Electronic Medical Record; Medical informatics; Technology adoption | Adult patients; Antiretrovirals; Clinical decision support; Electronic medical record; Medical informatics; Motion techniques; Provider surveys; Quality of care; Right information; Technology adoption; Decision support systems; Developing countries; Electric relays; Information science; Medical computing; Surveys; Viruses; Medical problems; adult; Africa; article; electronic medical record; evaluation; female; health survey; hospital organization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; medical information system; patient care; patient information; patient satisfaction; priority journal; Adult; Efficiency, Organizational; Electronic Health Records; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Office Visits; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Physician's Practice Patterns; Quality of Health Care; Time and Motion Studies; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943264672 | Relationship among fitness, morphological characteristics, skills and performance in men’s fastpitch softball | Wentzel M., Travill A.L. | 2015 | South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation | 37 | 2 | None | Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Wentzel, M., Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Travill, A.L., Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa | Men’s fast pitch softball does not have a specific battery of tests and relies on the tests and norms of baseball. The specific morphological and fitness demands of the sport are, therefore, not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to establish whether morphological and fitness characteristics are related to skill and performance measures in men’s fast-pitch softball players. The sample was purposively selected and consisted of 15 provincial and 15 club male players. Anthropometric, fitness and skills test were conducted. Match statistics were obtained from the provincial softball federation for the provincial players and from the club for its members. Data were analysed and interpreted both collectively as a group and separately as teams for the purpose of comparison. The results identified a number of strong significant relationships between the different variables tested. Stature and percentage body fat were found to interact significantly with the two key performance areas, batting and base running. The findings convincingly suggest that coaches should include fitness, morphological and skills tests in their coaching and fitness programmes, team selection and talent identification processes. © 2015 University of Stellenbosch. All rights reserved. | Anthropometry; Correlations; Fast-pitch softball; Fitness; Performance; Skills | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33845372104 | The development impact of solar cookers: A review of solar cooking impact research in South Africa | Wentzel M., Pouris A. | 2007 | Energy Policy | 35 | 3 | 10.1016/j.enpol.2006.06.002 | Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, PO Box 11906, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa; Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Lynwood Road, South Africa | Wentzel, M., Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, PO Box 11906, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0121, South Africa; Pouris, A., Institute for Technological Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Lynwood Road, South Africa | Solar cooking is often considered "a solution looking for a problem". Solar cookers have long been presented as an interesting solution to the world's problem of dwindling fuel wood sources and other environmental problems associated with wood fuel demand for cooking. However, recent GTZ field work in South Africa showed different benefits instead: the use of solar cookers resulted in appreciable fuel and time savings as well as increased energy security for households using commercial fuels. These observations are based on field tests in South Africa that started in 1996 to investigate the social acceptability of solar cookers and to facilitate local production and commercialisation of the technology. Impact studies and use rate studies have been carried out by a number of different organisations since the inception of the project and although commercialisation of the technology has not been achieved to its fullest potential, impact studies indicate that solar cookers have a positive development impact on households through fuel-, energy- and time savings. The article aims to summarise the findings of the various studies and present an overview of use rates and impact data. A variety of factors influence solar cooker use rates, which in turn determine impacts. Some factors are related to the user, some to the environment in which the cooker is used and some to the cooker itself. Ultimately, the data shows that on average, only 17% of solar cooker owners do not use their stoves after purchase and that active solar cooker users utilise their stoves on average for 31% of their cooking incidences. Since the majority of solar stove buyers actually use their stoves and obtain real benefits, this suggests that that solar cookers are indeed not a solution looking for a problem but a solution worth promoting. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Developing impacts; Household energy; Solar cooking | Economic and social effects; Energy resources; Environmental impact; Social aspects; Wood fuels; Household energy; Solar cooking; Solar equipment; alternative energy; household energy; solar cooker; solar power; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-22444440988 | Synthesis and evaluation of metal-ligand complexes for selective olefin solubilization in reactive solvents | Wentink A.E., Kuipers N.J.M., De Haan A.B., Scholtz J., Mulder H. | 2005 | Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research | 44 | 13 | 10.1021/ie0487890 | Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa | Wentink, A.E., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Kuipers, N.J.M., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; De Haan, A.B., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands; Scholtz, J., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa; Mulder, H., Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, 7500 Enschede, Netherlands, Sasol Technology, Sasolburg, South Africa | The separation of 1-hexene from Fischer-Tropsch streams is an expensive and difficult separation because of the low relative volatilities encountered. Applying metal-ligand complexes, which π-complex olefins, can increase the selectivity and capacity of these separations. In this paper, potential metal-ligand combinations are screened for this purpose using ethylene as the olefin. Ethylene solubility measurements with the metal-ligand complexes show a qualitative relationship between the stability and ability of the metal-ligand complex. The ligands LIX 26 (a hydroxyquinoline) and LEX 54 (a diketone) do not easily extract silver, and the resulting metalligand complex is unstable as silver precipitates. In contrast, Cyanex 301 and 302, thiophosphoric acids, easily extract silver and are very stable, but here the silver ion no longer forms π complexes. The ligands, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid and dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, result in a stable metal-ligand complex that can also selectively complex ethylene relative to ethane. © 2005 American Chemical Society. | None | Ethane; Olefins; Phosphoric acid; Precipitation (chemical); Separation; Silver; Solubility; Solvents; Ethylene solubility; Fischer-Tropsch streams; Metal-ligand complexes; Selectivity; Complexation; solvent | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78651481968 | Evaluation of butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam as a reversible narcotic combination in free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo) | Wenger S., Buss P., Joubert J., Steenkamp J., Shikwambana P., Hatt J.-M. | 2010 | Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia | 37 | 6 | 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2010.00569.x | Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa | Wenger, S., Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Buss, P., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Joubert, J., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Steenkamp, J., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Shikwambana, P., Veterinary Wildlife Services, South African National Parks, Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa; Hatt, J.-M., Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland | Objective To evaluate the effects of the combination butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam (BMM) and its reversibility in lions.Study design Prospective clinical trial.Animals Thirty free-ranging lions, 10 male and 20 female, weighing 81-210 kg.Methods Lions were immobilised with butorphanol mean 0.31 ± SD 0.034 mg kg-1, medetomidine 0.052 ± 0.006 mg kg-1, midazolam 0.21 ± 0.024 mg kg-1 and hyaluronidase 1250 IU administered intramuscularly with a dart gun. Upon recumbency, physiological parameters and anaesthetic depth were monitored 10-15 minutes after darting (T1) and repeated every 10 minutes for a further 30 minutes (T2, T3, T4). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at T1 and T4. At the end of the procedure, 45-60 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone 0.68 ± 0.082 mg kg-1, atipamezole 0.26 ± 0.031 mg kg-1, and flumazenil 0.0032 ± 0.0007 mg kg-1 administered intravenously and subcutaneously.Results The BMM combination rapidly induced immobilisation and lateral recumbency was reached within 7.25 ± 2.3 minutes. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.4 (range 1-2). Cardio-respiratory parameters were stable. Heart rate varied from 32 to 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate from 14 to 32 breaths minute-1 and rectal temperature from 36.6 to 40.3 °C. No sudden arousals were observed. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.33, PaCO2 of 33 mmHg and PaO2 of 87 mmHg. Mild to moderate hypoxemia was seen in four lions. Recovery was smooth and lions were walking within 4.4 ± 4.25 minutes. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.3 (range 1-2).Conclusion and clinical relevance The drug combination proved to be effective in immobilising free-ranging healthy lions of both sexes with minimal cardio-respiratory changes. © 2010 The Authors. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia © 2010 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists. | Atipamezole; Butorphanol; Flumazenil; Lion; Medetomidine; Midazolam; Naltrexone | analgesic agent; butorphanol; hypnotic sedative agent; medetomidine; midazolam; narcotic agent; narcotic antagonist; animal; article; clinical trial; drug combination; female; lion; male; South Africa; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Butorphanol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Lions; Male; Medetomidine; Midazolam; Narcotic Antagonists; Narcotics; South Africa; Panthera leo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896864796 | Experimental evaluation of insect pollination versus wind pollination in leucadendron (proteaceae) | Welsford M.R., Midgley J.J., Johnson S.D. | 2014 | International Journal of Plant Sciences | 175 | 3 | 10.1086/674449 | School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Welsford, M.R., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Midgley, J.J., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Johnson, S.D., School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | Premise of research. Evolutionary transitions from insect to wind pollination are thought to have occurred many times during the angiosperm radiation. On the basis of floral features, several such transitions have been postulated for Leucadendron (Proteaceae), a dioecious genus of 96 taxa confined almost entirely to the Cape Floristic Region. To confirm whether these transitions took place, we carried out experimental tests for wind pollination and sampled insect flower visitors in 15 Leucadendron species, representing six clades in the genus. Methodology. In three clades in which an insect-wind shift has been inferred, we sampled species with traits suggestive of either wind or insect pollination. Plants were bagged with fine-mesh exclusion bags that excluded insects but allowed the passage of airborne pollen. Insects visiting female inflorescences were collected for identification and analysis of their pollen loads. Pivotal results. We found that insect exclusion had little effect on seed set of five species conforming to the wind pollination syndrome (L. rubrum, L. salicifolium, L. dubium, L. coniferum, and L. teretifolium), while seed set was strongly reduced by insect exclusion in the remaining 10 species conforming to an insect pollination syndrome. The most common pollinator of the insect-pollinated species was the nitidulid beetle Pria cinerascens. Conclusions. This study provides experimental verification of contrasting insect and wind pollination systems in Leucadendron and will thus enable formal phylogenetic tests of adaptive changes in floral traits, such as color and scent, that may be associated with pollination system transitions in this diverse lineage. © 2014 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. | Dioecy; Leucadendron; Nitidulid; Pria cinerascens; Wind pollination | angiosperm; beetle; Cape Floristic Region; color; dioecy; female; flower; insect; pollen; pollination; seed set; wind | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745905023 | Range of normal neutrophil counts in healthy Zimbabwean infants: Implications for monitoring antiretroviral drug toxicity | Wells J., Shetty A.K., Stranix L., Falkovitz-Halpern M.S., Chipato T., Nyoni N., Mateta P., Maldonado Y. | 2006 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 42 | 4 | 10.1097/01.qai.0000224975.45091.a5 | Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; UZ-UCSF Collaborative Program in Women's Health, 15 Phillips Ave, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe | Wells, J., Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States, UZ-UCSF Collaborative Program in Women's Health, 15 Phillips Ave, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe; Shetty, A.K., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Stranix, L., Department of Pediatrics, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Falkovitz-Halpern, M.S., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Chipato, T., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyoni, N., Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mateta, P., Univ. of Zimbabwe-Univ. of California, S. Francisco (UZ-UCSF) Collab. Res. Prog. in Women's Health, Harare, Zimbabwe; Maldonado, Y., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States | Mother-to-child HIV prevention trials in sub-Saharan Africa use the US National Institutes of Health Division of AIDS (DAIDS) grading scale to monitor hematologic toxicity. A recent study of nevirapine prophylaxis given for 6 months in breast-feeding Zimbabwean infants reported several cases of relative neutropenia in clinically well infants, raising concerns of drug toxicity. However, the DAIDS tables are based on normal blood counts for white infants, although there is evidence that black African infants may have lower absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) than white infants. To establish normal hematologic values in black Zimbabwean infants and to quantify the apparent prevalence of relative neutropenia in this population, we evaluated HIV-uninfected healthy infants born to HIV-uninfected women at birth, 10 days, 6 weeks, 3, and 4 months of life. A physical examination and blood count were performed at each visit, and an HIV test was performed at the final visit. The ANC values were graded using the DAIDS table. A total of 145 healthy term infants satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean ANC values for Zimbabwean infants were less than half of the corresponding standard values at all 5 time points (P < 0.0001). Using the DAIDS table in use at the time that the blood was collected, 57% of these healthy infants had relative neutropenia of any grade at birth, followed by 29% at day 10, 53% at 6 weeks, 32% at 3 months, and 37% at 4 months of life. Our data indicate that relative neutropenia exists in healthy black Zimbabwean infants. The guidelines for identifying toxicity were changed in December 2004. However, even by the new DAIDS tables, 43%, 23%, 24%, 42%, and 43% of these healthy babies had relative neutropenia at the time of the 5 visits. Future HIV prevention and treatment trials in sub-Saharan Africa should use normal hematologic values derived from African infants to avoid the overestimation of antiretroviral drug toxicity. Copyright © 2006 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Antiretroviral prophylaxis; HIV-1; Infant; Neutropenia; Toxicity; Zimbabwe | antiretrovirus agent; nevirapine; Africa; article; breast feeding; controlled study; disease severity; drug monitoring; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; infant; infection prevention; male; neutropenia; neutrophil count; newborn; physical examination; priority journal; race difference; Zimbabwe; Anti-HIV Agents; Disease Transmission, Vertical; Drug Monitoring; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lymphocyte Count; Neutrophils; RNA, Viral; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899709477 | Impact of SPDC-Bomu manifold oil pipe explosion fire on crop yield and farm income in Gokana LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria | Weli V.E., Arokoyu S.B. | 2014 | Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology | 7 | 14 | None | Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Centre for Disaster Risk Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Weli, V.E., Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Arokoyu, S.B., Centre for Disaster Risk Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Environmental degradation of the oil-rich Gokana Local government area has been wanton and continuous with dire health, social and economic consequences for its peoples, for over three decades. The study was based on the result of environmental impact studies conducted on the SPDC-Bomu manifold oil pipe explosion of 12th April, 2009 and its impact on agricultural production in K-dere, Deken, Kpor and Biara communities. Using a sample of 400 crop farmers drawn randomly from the 4 communities, the negative impact of hydrocarbon fire on crop production was accentuated. Hydrocarbon fire caused acid rain that reduced crop yield, land productivity and greatly depressed farm income as a 10 percentage increase in hydrocarbon fire reduced crop yield by 13% while farm income plummeted by 25.5%. In order to halt the continual degradation of the Niger Delta environment, the authors recommend enactment and enforcement of stringent environmental laws to protect the area as well as the implementation of policies to reduce the crushing level of poverty and guarantee a better livelihood for the people. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014. | Hydrocarbon fire; Land productivity; Low crop yield; Natural resource degradation; Small-scale farmers | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881299076 | Comparative evaluation of a two-reagent cold stain method with Ziehl-Nelseen method for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis | Weldu Y., Asrat D., Woldeamanuel Y., Hailesilasie A. | 2013 | BMC Research Notes | 6 | 1 | 10.1186/1756-0500-6-323 | Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Weldu, Y., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara, Ethiopia; Asrat, D., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Woldeamanuel, Y., Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Hailesilasie, A., Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia | Background: Bacteriological examination of sputum is the cornerstone in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in developing world, which is usually done using a Ziehl-Nelseen (ZN) method. However, due to limited laboratory facilities that can satisfy the procedure, applicability of this procedure appears to be adversely affected in field conditions and at peripheral health institutions. Hence, it has become necessary to look for a procedure which can be used as alternative in such conditions.In a cross-sectional study, using convenient sampling technique 362 pulmonary tuberculosis suspected patients who attended at Mekelle University Hospital (MUH) between November 2011 and February 2012 were included. After obtaining an informed consent, spot- morning-spot sputum samples were collected from suspected patients. Then a set of duplicate slides, of which one was allocated to a two-reagent cold method (a method of staining which requires carbol fuchsine as a primary stain and Gabbet's methylene blue both as a decolorizer and counter stain) and the other to the Zeihl-Nelseen method were smeared evenly from representative portion of each specimen using the protocol for duplicate smear preparation. Stained smears were read blindly by two technologists at different occasions. Finally to assure quality, all positive smears and 25% of the negative smears were cross checked by senior experienced examiner. Findings. Overall concordance between the two methods was 99.7% (kappa (κ) = 0.98; 95%, confidence interval 0.93-1.00), and the observed agreement was statistically significant (p<0.001). When evaluated against Ziehl-Nelseen method, sensitivity and specificity of the two-reagent cold staining method were 95.8% (95% confidence interval 93.7-97.9) and 100% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values of the two-reagent cold staining method were respectively 100% and 99.7%. Positive and negative agreements between the two techniques were respectively 97.9% and 99.9%. Conclusion: The two-reagent cold staining method was found to be a suitable alternative to the conventional Ziehl-Nelseen method; it was at least as specific as Ziehl-Neelsen method although somewhat less sensitive. However, large scale multicentric studies need to be performed for further evaluation of this cold staining method. © 2013 Weldu et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | AFB microscopy; Cold stain; Ethiopia; Gabbet's methylene blue; PTB; Zeihl-Neelsen | carbol-fuchsin solution; fuchsine; methylene blue; chemistry; comparative study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic use; human; isolation and purification; microbiology; microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; procedures; sensitivity and specificity; sputum; staining; standards; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Methylene Blue; Microscopy; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rosaniline Dyes; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sputum; Staining and Labeling; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79957467708 | Wastewater use in crop production in peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa: Impacts on health in farm households | Weldesilassie A.B., Boelee E., Drechsel P., Dabbert S. | 2011 | Environment and Development Economics | 16 | 1 | 10.1017/S1355770X1000029X | Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI), Near National Stadium Blue Building, P.O. Box 2479, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka; Hohenheim University, Institute 410A, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Weldesilassie, A.B., Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI), Near National Stadium Blue Building, P.O. Box 2479, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Boelee, E., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O. Box 2075, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Drechsel, P., International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dabbert, S., Hohenheim University, Institute 410A, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany | Using stream water polluted with untreated wastewater in agriculture is controversial due to its combination of benefits and negative health impacts. Using data from a household survey, wastewater and freshwater farmers were analysed comparatively to examine the perceived impacts of irrigation water quality on farmers' health and to evaluate the extent of health damage. Probability of illness was estimated using the theory of utility-maximising behaviour of households subject to the conventional farm household production model, augmented by adding a health production function. Reduced model and instrumental variable probit specifications both show that perceived illness prevalence is significantly higher for household members working on wastewater irrigation farms than for those working with freshwater. Our data entails econometric complications (e.g., endogeneity of farmers' behaviour, unobserved location-specific characteristics). Ignoring these will result in underestimation of the value of policy interventions designed to reduce potential health damage of wastewater use in irrigation. © 2010 Cambridge University Press. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877077208 | Evaluation of cost of medication of commercial broiler production in the tropics [Evaluación del costo de medicación en la producción comercial de pollos asaderos en los trópicos] | Wekhe S.N., Owen O.J., Amadi I.G. | 2012 | Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola | 12 | 1 | None | Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Wekhe, S.N., Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Owen, O.J., Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Amadi, I.G., Department of Animal Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Ninety (90), day-old Anak broiler birds were used to evaluate the cost of medication in commercial broiler production in the tropics in a study that lasted eight weeks. Three treatment groups were involved in the experiment: A control (No medication), B (routine prophylaxis) and C (routine vaccination and continuous coccidiostat). The experimental design employed was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The birds were fed ad libitum and freely provided with drinking water. Daily feed intake and weekly body weight were recorded. Results showed that significant (P<0.05) differences existed in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency. Treatment C had better production indices than treatments A and B. With respect to economic indices evaluated vis-à-vis cost of production/bird, relative cost/bird, total sales, mortality rate and gross margin; treatment C that recorded the highest cost of production/bird and relative cost/bird gave better total sales, mortality and gross margin among other treatments. It is therefore concluded that cost of prophylaxis did not adversely affect the production cost and it is necessary so as to safeguard against any sporadic or enzootic diseases that might by chance attack the flock and cause unprecedented loss of cash and meat. | Broiler birds; Cost; Losses; Prophylaxis; Vaccination | Aves | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-31544477415 | The effect of supplementing Rhodes grass hay with cotton seed cake and pyrethrum marc based rations on the performance of Sahiwal female weaners | Wekesa F.W., Abdulrazak S.A., Mukisira E.A. | 2006 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 18 | 1 | None | National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 57811, Nairobi, Kenya | Wekesa, F.W., National Animal Husbandry Research Centre, P.O. Box 25, Naivasha, Kenya; Abdulrazak, S.A., Division of Research and Extension, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Mukisira, E.A., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 57811, Nairobi, Kenya | The objective of the study was to evaluate the voluntary feed intake and body weight gain of Sahiwal female weaners fed on rhodes grass hay and supplemented with cotton seed cake based ration (CSCBR) and pyrethrum marc based ration (PMBR). Twenty five weaners were allocated to five treatments in a randomised complete design (RCD). The CP contents of the feeds were 74.1, 156 and 143 g/kg dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was 720, 345 and 329 g/kg DM for Rhodes grass hay (RGH), CSBR and PMBR respectively. At higher level of supplementation, improved dry matter intake was recorded in the group that was offered PMBR than CSCBR. Supplementation also improved dry matter intake with hardly any substitution effect. Better average daily gain was recorded in weaners, which were supplemented with CSCBR but was not statistically different from the PMBR while control group grew at the lowest rate. Volatile fatty acid concentration improved with supplementation but varied across the treatment diets. All the animals across the various treatment diets remained in a positive nitrogen balance during the period of study. Supplementation also improved rumen ammonia nitrogen levels. It was concluded that CSCBR and PMBR were comparable in respect of animal performance and hence be encouraged in their inclusion in ruminant rations. | Cotton seed cake; Intake; Live-weight gain; Pyrethrum marc; Rhodes grass hay | Animalia; Bovidae; Chloris gayana; Gossypium hirsutum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909592407 | Influence of operating conditions on unsteady wind performance of vertical axis wind turbines operating within a fluctuating free-stream: A numerical study | Wekesa D.W., Wang C., Wei Y., Danao L.A.M. | 2014 | Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics | 135 | None | 10.1016/j.jweia.2014.10.016 | Institute of Dynamics and Control of Spacecrafts, School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin City, China; Department of Physics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi City, Kenya; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quenzon City, Philippines | Wekesa, D.W., Institute of Dynamics and Control of Spacecrafts, School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin City, China, Department of Physics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi City, Kenya; Wang, C., Institute of Dynamics and Control of Spacecrafts, School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin City, China; Wei, Y., Institute of Dynamics and Control of Spacecrafts, School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin City, China; Danao, L.A.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quenzon City, Philippines | A fluctuating free-stream in unsteady wind environment presents a more significant challenge in wind turbine performance. In this paper, a numerical method is presented to investigate the influence of operating conditions on Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) of NACA00XX symmetric airfoils with 12% and 22% thickness in unsteady wind condition. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical method was used to analyze the aerodynamic performance and physics of flow of the VAWT. The VAWT dynamic motion of blades was introduced by sinusoidally oscillating both VAWT blades. Using a validated CFD model, steady wind simulations at Umean=7.00m/s and 11.00m/s were conducted and the results predicted the Power Coefficient (CP) performance for the VAWT scale. The results derived in the numerical analysis show that, within fluctuating free-stream wind conditions, thicker airfoils are desirable. Overall maximum unsteady CP of VAWT with thicker blades reveals positive deviations if the tip speed ratio λ is slightly higher than λ of the steady maximum CP, while thinner blades maximum CP marginally drops from the steady maximum CP for the same λ range. Higher frequencies of fluctuation marginally improve the unsteady wind performance of both VAWT blade profiles. High fluctuation amplitudes reveal overall performance degradation on both VAWT blade profiles more than small fluctuation amplitudes. The findings lend substantially to our understanding of both the kinematic and aerodynamic behavior on VAWT scale blades operating in unsteady wind condition, and the flow physics that causes the behavior. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | CFD; NACA00XX; Power coefficient; Unsteady wind; VAWT | Free-stream; NACA00XX; Operating condition; Power coefficients; VAWT; Vertical axis wind turbines; Wind performance; Computational fluid dynamics | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548103853 | Field evaluation of a rota- and adenovirus immunochromatographic assay using stool samples from children with acute diarrhea in Ghana | Weitzel T., Reither K., Mockenhaupt F.P., Stark K., Ignatius R., Saad E., Seidu-Korkor A., Bienzle U., Schreier E. | 2007 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 45 | 8 | 10.1128/JCM.00562-07 | Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Regional Health Administration, Ministry of Health, Tamale, Ghana; Department of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Spandauer Damm 130, D-14050 Berlin, Germany | Weitzel, T., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany, Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Spandauer Damm 130, D-14050 Berlin, Germany; Reither, K., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Mockenhaupt, F.P., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Stark, K., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany; Ignatius, R., Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Saad, E., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Seidu-Korkor, A., Regional Health Administration, Ministry of Health, Tamale, Ghana; Bienzle, U., Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Schreier, E., Department of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany | We evaluated the Rida Quick rotavirus/adenovirus Combi rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) under field conditions with Ghanaian children with acute diarrhea. Compared to PCR results, sensitivities and specificities were 75% and 95% for rotavirus and 22% and 84% for adenovirus. In resource-poor settings, ICTs may help to overcome difficulties in the diagnosis of rotavirus infection. Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | acute diarrhea; Adenovirus; article; childhood disease; chromatography; device; evaluation; feces analysis; Ghana; human; immunochromatographic assay; intermethod comparison; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; Rotavirus; sensitivity and specificity; Adenoviridae; Adenoviridae Infections; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromatography, Affinity; Diarrhea; Ghana; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rotavirus; Rotavirus Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; Virology; Adenoviridae; Rotavirus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78650038061 | Evaluation of time to detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in broth culture as a determinant for end points in treatment trials | Weiner M., Prihoda T.J., Burman W., Johnson J.L., Goldberg S., Padayatchi N., Duran P., Engle M., Muzanye G., Mugerwa R.D., Sturm A.W. | 2010 | Journal of Clinical Microbiology | 48 | 12 | 10.1128/JCM.00757-10 | Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Denver Public Health, 605 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, United States; Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, 10900 Euclid Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, United States; Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Departments of Community Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa; Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 663, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States | Weiner, M., Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Prihoda, T.J., Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Burman, W., Denver Public Health, 605 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, United States; Johnson, J.L., Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, 10900 Euclid Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, United States; Goldberg, S., Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States; Padayatchi, N., Departments of Community Health, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa; Duran, P., Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Engle, M., Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, VAMC, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, United States; Muzanye, G., Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 663, Kampala, Uganda; Mugerwa, R.D., Uganda-Case Western Reserve University Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 663, Kampala, Uganda; Sturm, A.W., Department of Medical Microbiology, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa | Time to detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in broth culture was examined for utility as a treatment efficacy end point. Of 146 patients in a phase IIB trial, a decreased mean time to detection was found in 5 with treatment failure. Time to detection in an analysis-of-covariance model was associated with lung cavities, less intensive treatment, and differences in the bactericidal effects of treatment regimens. Copyright © 2010, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | ethambutol; moxifloxacin; adult; article; bacterium detection; female; human; lung cavity; major clinical study; male; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; priority journal; relapse; risk factor; time; treatment failure; Adult; Antitubercular Agents; Aza Compounds; Bacteriological Techniques; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Monitoring; Ethambutol; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Quinolines; Time Factors; Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890094748 | Enhancing team performance through tool use: How critical technology-related issues influence the performance of virtual project teams | Weimann P., Pollock M., Scott E., Brown I. | 2013 | IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication | 56 | 4 | 10.1109/TPC.2013.2287571 | Faculty of Economic and Social Science, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Berlin 10629, Germany; Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Weimann, P., Faculty of Economic and Social Science, Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Berlin 10629, Germany; Pollock, M., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Scott, E., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Brown, I., Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Research problem: The project management of virtual teams differs from that of traditional ones. Traditional project risks, such as complexity, the uncertainty of factors influencing the project, and the high interdependency of project tasks must be managed alongside changed temporal, geographic, and cultural dimensions. Only a few studies have investigated the effect of critical technological issues, such as wrong tool selection or limited internet access on performance as well as team and team member satisfaction in virtual work settings. Research questions: How do critical technology-related issues concerning the selection and use of web-based tools influence the performance and satisfaction of virtual project teams? Literature review: Instead of categorizing virtual teams as a type of team that contrasts with traditional or face-to-face teams, the focus has shifted to virtualness as a characteristic present in all teams. Project teamwork is often integrated in university degree programs in order to prepare students appropriately for real-life projects. While these student teams are often not geographically spread across countries, they have a high degree of virtualness because of their diverse team composition, the necessity for working at different places, and the limited face-to-face meeting opportunities. Performance, effectiveness, and satisfaction are central issues in the evaluation and measurement of project teams: Team performance is often evaluated on the basis of acceptance of a specified output by a customer. Through specific mediating processes, team performance can alternatively be assessed by inquiring the team's perception on their performance. Effectiveness can be defined as the achievement of clear goals and objectives and it is often related to the team's performance. Finally, satisfaction can be defined as having three dimensions - satisfaction with the team, the satisfaction of meeting customer needs, and general satisfaction with extrinsic rewards and work. Technology use is substantial for distributed teamwork and can be assessed by the extent to which it supports communication, collaboration, and project-management tasks. Methodology: Fifteen teams were observed and interviewed over a two-year period. The resulting data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach, which revealed how the selection and use of tools for communication, collaboration, and project management in the different project activities influenced the team's performance. Results and conclusions: Our results contribute to practice by providing a number of guidelines for the management of virtual teams as well as knowledge required by companies wishing to launch projects with virtual teams. Differing performances of teams can, in many cases, be attributed to such conditions as: internet availability and bandwidth; lack of training for certain tools; the selection and appropriate use of tools; integrated tool support for task management; as well as the promotion of transparency about progress made. It was found that restrictions in internet access of even a single member within a team limited the team's technological choices, which affected the team's performance. © 1988-2012 IEEE. | Communication; internet; performance; project management; teams; tools; virtual teams | Cultural dimensions; Face-to-face meetings; Grounded theory approach; performance; Research questions; teams; Virtual project teams; Virtual team; Communication; Customer satisfaction; Internet; Management science; Project management; Tools; Human resource management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34249277405 | Multivariate economic performance assessment of an MPC controlled electric arc furnace | Wei D., Craig I.K., Bauer M. | 2007 | ISA Transactions | 46 | 3 | 10.1016/j.isatra.2007.01.005 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Wei, D., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Craig, I.K., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Bauer, M., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Economic performance is very important to advanced process control projects investigating whether the investment of control technology is worthwhile. In this paper economic performance assessment of a simulated electric arc furnace is conducted. The dependence of controlled variables and the corresponding economic impact are highlighted. © 2007 ISA. | (Joint) performance function; Economic performance assessment; Electric arc furnace; Model predictive control; Scatter plot | Computer simulation; Economic analysis; Electric arcs; Investments; Model predictive control; Economic performance assessment; Performance functions; Scatter plots; Electric furnaces | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-67349141478 | Economic performance assessment of two ROM ore milling circuit controllers | Wei D., Craig I.K. | 2009 | Minerals Engineering | 22 | 42623 | 10.1016/j.mineng.2009.02.013 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Wei, D., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Craig, I.K., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | Economic performance assessment of control systems is receiving increasing attention in both academia and industry. A relevant framework is proposed in Bauer and Craig (Bauer, M., Craig, I.K., 2008. Economic assessment of advanced process control - a survey and framework. Journal of Process Control 18 (1), 2-18) based on a comprehensive survey of the methods for economic analysis of advanced process control systems. The framework provides a formal procedure for the economic assessment of control systems. A practically motivated simulation study is used to cast the economic performance assessment of a nonlinear model predictive controller and three single-loop PID controllers for a run-of-mine milling circuit into this framework. Performance functions of the milling circuit, which dynamically relate the circuit process variables to monetary values, are developed based on a survey study on milling circuits and an in-depth literature study. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation; Grinding; Mineral economics; Mineral processing; Particle size; Process control | Advanced Process Control; Economic assessments; Economic performance; Grinding; Milling circuits; Mineral processing; Monetary value; Non-linear model; Performance functions; PID controllers; Process Variables; Simulation studies; Control system analysis; Controllers; Economic analysis; Electric network analysis; Flotation; Grinding (comminution); Grinding (machining); Intelligent control; Milling (machining); Minerals; Mining; Particle size; Proportional control systems; Silicate minerals; Surveys; Three term control systems; Process control | 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-s2.0-47249116955 | 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-s2.0-84867246758 | Phase I safety and immunogenicity evaluations of an alphavirus replicon HIV-1 subtype C gag vaccine in healthy HIV-1-uninfected adults | Wecker M., Gilbert P., Russell N., Hural J., Allen M., Pensiero M., Chulay J., Chiu Y.-L., Karim S.S.A., Burke D.S. | 2012 | Clinical and Vaccine Immunology | 19 | 10 | 10.1128/CVI.00258-12 | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; AlphaVax, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL, United States; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States; Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States | Wecker, M., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Gilbert, P., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Russell, N., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Hural, J., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States; Allen, M., Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Pensiero, M., Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States; Chulay, J., AlphaVax, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, United States, Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL, United States; Chiu, Y.-L., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States; Karim, S.S.A., Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa; Burke, D.S., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States | On the basis of positive preclinical data, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of an alphavirus replicon HIV-1 subtype C gag vaccine (AVX101), expressing a nonmyristoylated form of Gag, in two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in healthy HIV-1-uninfected adults. Escalating doses of AVX101 or placebo were administered subcutaneously to participants in the United States and Southern Africa. Because of vaccine stability issues, the first trial was halted prior to completion of all dose levels and a second trial was implemented. The second trial was also stopped prematurely due to documentation issues with the contract manufacturer. Safety and immunogenicity were evaluated through assessments of reactogenicity, reports of adverse events, and assessment of replication-competent and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viremia. Immunogenicity was measured using the following assays: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chromium 51 ( 51Cr)-release cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), gamma interferon (IFN-γ) ELISpot, intracellular cytokine staining (ICS), and lymphoproliferation assay (LPA). Anti-vector antibodies were also measured. AVX101 was well tolerated and exhibited only modest local reactogenicity. There were 5 serious adverse events reported during the trials; none were considered related to the study vaccine. In contrast to the preclinical data, immune responses in humans were limited. Only low levels of binding antibodies and T-cell responses were seen at the highest doses. This trial also highlighted the difficulties in developing a novel vector for HIV. Copyright © 2012, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. | None | avx 101; gamma interferon; Human immunodeficiency virus antibody; Human immunodeficiency virus vaccine; interleukin 2; placebo; unclassified drug; adult; Alpha virus; antibody response; antibody titer; article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; CD8+ T lymphocyte; controlled study; cytotoxic T lymphocyte; dose response; double blind procedure; drug dose escalation; drug fatality; drug induced headache; drug safety; drug tolerability; drug withdrawal; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; enzyme linked immunospot assay; fatigue; female; hepatitis A; hepatitis E; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; immunogenicity; injection site pain; injection site reaction; intracellular cytokine staining; lymphocyte proliferation; male; multicenter study; normal human; phase 1 clinical trial; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; replicon; South Africa; staining; structural gene; United States; Venezuelan equine encephalitis; viremia; Adolescent; Adult; AIDS Vaccines; Alphavirus; Botswana; Cytokines; Double-Blind Method; Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay; Female; gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; HIV Antibodies; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Male; Middle Aged; South Africa; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; United States; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33750474426 | Multicenter evaluation of a new 4th generation HIV screening assay elecsys HIV combi | Weber B., Orazi B., Raineri A., Thorstensson R., Bürgisser P., Mühlbacher A., Areal C., Eiras A., Villaescusa R., Camacho R., Diogo I., Roth H.-J., Zahn I., Bartel J., Bossi V., Piro F., Atamasirikul K., Permpikul P., Webber L., Singh S. | 2006 | Clinical Laboratory | 52 | 42623 | None | Universitätskliniken Frankfurt/Main, Institut für Med. Virologie, Zentrum f. Hygiene Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt/Main, Germany; Laboratoires Reunis, L-6131 Junglinster, Luxembourg; Ospedale Santa Maria degli Angeli, Centro Immunotrasfusionale Pordenone, Pordenone, Italy; Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Stockholm-Solna, Sweden; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Departement de Medecine Interne, Division d'Immunologie et Allergie, Laussane, Switzerland; Universitätsinstitut für Blutgruppenserologie und Transfusionsmedizin der PMU, Salzburg, Austria; Centro de Transfusión de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Hospital Egas Moniz, Virology Laboratory, Lisbon, Portugal; Limbach Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, Laboratorio di Virologia e Microbiologia, Turin, Italy; Ramithibodi Hospital, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Siriraj Hospital, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Weber, B., Universitätskliniken Frankfurt/Main, Institut für Med. Virologie, Zentrum f. Hygiene Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt/Main, Germany, Laboratoires Reunis, L-6131 Junglinster, Luxembourg; Orazi, B., Ospedale Santa Maria degli Angeli, Centro Immunotrasfusionale Pordenone, Pordenone, Italy; Raineri, A., Ospedale Santa Maria degli Angeli, Centro Immunotrasfusionale Pordenone, Pordenone, Italy; Thorstensson, R., Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Stockholm-Solna, Sweden; Bürgisser, P., Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Departement de Medecine Interne, Division d'Immunologie et Allergie, Laussane, Switzerland; Mühlbacher, A., Universitätsinstitut für Blutgruppenserologie und Transfusionsmedizin der PMU, Salzburg, Austria; Areal, C., Centro de Transfusión de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Eiras, A., Centro de Transfusión de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Villaescusa, R., Centro de Transfusión de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Camacho, R., Hospital Egas Moniz, Virology Laboratory, Lisbon, Portugal; Diogo, I., Hospital Egas Moniz, Virology Laboratory, Lisbon, Portugal; Roth, H.-J., Limbach Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; Zahn, I., Limbach Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; Bartel, J., Limbach Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; Bossi, V., Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, Laboratorio di Virologia e Microbiologia, Turin, Italy; Piro, F., Ospedale Amedeo di Savoia, Laboratorio di Virologia e Microbiologia, Turin, Italy; Atamasirikul, K., Ramithibodi Hospital, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Permpikul, P., Siriraj Hospital, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand; Webber, L., Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa; Singh, S., Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | Fourth-generation screening assays which permit a simultaneous detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen and antibody reduce the diagnostic window on average by four days in comparison to third-generation antibody assays. Recently, the new automated Elecsys® HIV combi was compared in a multicenter study to alternative fourth- and third-generation assays, p24 antigen test and HIV-1 RNA RT-PCR. A total of 104 serocon-version panels, samples of the acute phase of infection after seroconversion (n = 33), anti-H1V-1 positive specimens (n = 572) from patients in different stages of the disease, 535 subtyped samples from different geographical locations, including group M (subtypes A-J) and group O, anti-HIV-2 positive sera (n = 364), dilutions of cell culture supernatants (n = 60) infected with different HTV-1 subtypes, selected performance panels, 8406 unselected samples from blood donors originating from different blood transfusion centers, 3810 unselected sera from daily routine and from hospitalized patients, 9927 unselected samples from South Africa and 1943 potentially interfering samples were tested with the Elecsys® HIV combi. Elecsys® HIV combi showed a comparable sensitivity to HIV-1 Ag stand-alone assays for early detection of HTV infection in seroconversion panels. The mean time delay of Elecsys® HIV combi (last negative sample + 1 day) in comparison to HIV-1 RT-PCR for 92 panels tested with both methods was 3.23 days. The diagnostic window was reduced with Elecsys® HIV combi between 1.56 and 5.32 days in comparison to third-generation assays. The specificity of Elecsys® HIV combi in blood donors was 99.80% after repeated testing. Our results show that a fourth-generation assay with improved specificity and sensitivity like the Elecsys® HIV combi is suitable for blood donor screening due to its low number of false positives and since it detects HIV p24 antigen with a comparable sensitivity to single antigen assays. | Combined antigen and antibody detection; Genetic variability; HIV; HIV-1 RNA; HIV-1 subtypes; Seroconversion | Gag protein; Human immunodeficiency virus antigen; virus RNA; antigen detection; article; blood donor; blood transfusion; cell culture; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; diagnostic kit; dilution; disease course; donor selection; false positive result; geographic distribution; health care facility; hospitalization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 2; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; laboratory automation; major clinical study; multicenter study; nonhuman; performance; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; screening test; sensitivity analysis; sensitivity and specificity; seroconversion; South Africa; supernatant; virus detection; Early Diagnosis; HIV Antibodies; HIV Core Protein p24; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HIV-2; Humans; Immunoassay; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Viral; Sensitivity and Specificity; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 2 | 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-s2.0-84869750813 | Multilingual teachers' voices: Perceptions about the impact of language | Webb L. | 2012 | Education as Change | 16 | 2 | 10.1080/16823206.2012.745752 | Faculty of Education, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Webb, L., Faculty of Education, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa | Many teachers in South Africa teach mainly in English, which is not their home language. In order to elicit their inner voices about language issues, 176 senior phase teachers in rural, peri-urban and urban regions of the Eastern Cape were encouraged to write poetry about their perceptions of the impact of language in their lives. The most prevalent conflict they expressed was the dominance of English juxtaposed against the subordination of their home languages, either isiXhosa or Afrikaans. They felt that English gave them access to education and upward employment mobility, whereas they were excluded from various discourses when they used their home languages. The use of poetry to understand how teachers make meaning of the potential conflicts caused by teaching in English revealed feelings and emotions that may not have been as obvious, or as evocative, if other data-gathering methods had been used. Further research is suggested strategies that could use both English and the pupils' home languages as a resource in multilingual classrooms. © 2012 Copyright The University of Johannesburg. | access; language; multilingual; perceptions; poetry; power | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84882438742 | Incident reconstruction simulations-potential impact on the prevention of future mine incidents | Webber-Youngman R.C.W., Van Wyk E.A. | 2013 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 113 | 6 | None | University of Pretoria, South Africa; Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | Webber-Youngman, R.C.W., University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Wyk, E.A., Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa | The mining industry in South Africa faces real challenges with regard to the reduction of safety-related incidents. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need for alternative interventions in addition to other safety improvement strategies already employed on mines. It furthermore supports an existing paradigm: incident investigations. An investigation into fatalities in the South African mining industry shows that although great progress has been achieved through the reduction in fatalities in all sectors of the industry over the last few years, more can and should be done to achieve status of 'zero harm'. Fatalities and lost time injuries on mines result not only in large financial losses, but also in disruptions of mining operations in general through Section 54 stoppages to resolve the situation. The approach of the paper is therefore not to try and prove whether there is high fatality rate and/or lost time injuries, but in what way incident reconstruction simulations (IRS) can have an impact in the future prevention of such incidents. The challenge therefore lies in the utilization of pro-active systems that would show employees the possible outcomes of being exposed to certain hazards. In real life, these incidents cannot be re-enacted and in most cases we can only learn through the previous mistakes of others. A virtual reality (VR) education and training system will enable employees to be 'exposed' to different hazards in a safe environment, and simulation, in a 'forgiving' environment, of the possible consequences of unsafe acts. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), unsafe acts and unsafe conditions are indirect causes of safety-related incidents, but there are also direct causes; for example, unplanned release of energy and/or hazardous material, and basic causes, for example, management safety policies, personal factors, and environmental factors. The administrative workload associated with any incident investigation places a large burden on the investigation team, and in most cases other employees are informed through vague administrative processes what the 'real cause' for the incident/accident was. New preventative strategies are often put in place without showing the employees what the real causes of the incident/accident were. This can be mitigated through the use of interactive VR simulations/animations of the hazards that they are exposed to and how to deal with them. If VR interventions are not used as proposed by this paper, the real causes and consequences of almost all fatalities and lost time injuries may never be fully understood. This paper also emphasizes what potential impact IRS could have on the prevention of future mine incidents as part and parcel of a pro-active risk prevention strategy. The intention is therefore not to replace any other risk prevention strategies, but to visually enhance the reality of the incident. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2013. | Incident reconstruction simulations; Interactive safety training; Mine safety; Risk management; Usability context analysis; Virtual reality | Administrative process; Context analysis; Education and training systems; Incident investigation; Incident reconstruction simulations; Mine safety; Occupational safety and health acts; Safety training; Hazards; Losses; Mining; Personnel training; Risk management; Virtual reality; Accident prevention | University of Pretoria |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892996732 | Reproductive performance of semi-intensively kept Döhne Merino ewes fed with different protein supplements | Webb E.C., van Niekerk W.A., Lee K., Marais W.J. | 2010 | South African Journal of Animal Sciences | 40 | 5SUPPL.1 | None | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X529, Middelburg, EC, 5900, South Africa | Webb, E.C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; van Niekerk, W.A., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Lee, K., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X529, Middelburg, EC, 5900, South Africa; Marais, W.J., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | A trial was conducted to determine the possible effects of an easily digestible nitrogen source in the form of urea compared to an undegradable protein supplement, age and birth status on the reproductive performance (ovulation rate and rate of twinning) of ewes. The weight, age and birth status of Döhne Merino ewes were recorded. A total of 144 Döhne Merino ewes were randomly allocated in two dietary treatment groups (either urea-based or undegradable protein group) synchronised, mated and the ovulation rate (estimated from the number of corpora lutea on the ovaries), foetuses observed on day 55 of gestation, lambs born per ewe and mass of the ewe after lambing were recorded. Dietary protein supplement had no significant effect on ovulation rate, pregnancy status, the number of lambs born per ewe or ewe weight after lambing. The number of lambs born per ewe of the one-year-old (0.99 ± 0.316), two-year-old (1.23 ± 0.134) and seven year old (0.92 ± 0.305) ewes were lower than that of four (1.69 ± 0.222) and six-year-old ewes (1.897 ± 0.248). Ewe age did not influence the ovulation rate of ewes, but the highest number of foetuses counted on day 55 of gestation was observed in 3-year-old ewes (1.68 ± 0.196). The number of lambs born per ewe of single born ewes (1.23 ± 0.104) was lower than that of twin born ewes (1.62 ± 0.106). It was concluded that dietary protein supplementation had no significant effect on ovulation rate or the number of lambs born per ewe mated, while age and birth status influenced the reproductive rate of Döhne Merino ewes. © South African Society for Animal Science. | Lambing status; Ovulation rate; Reproductive rate; Undegradable protein; Urea | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928917265 | Improving facility performance in infectious disease care in Uganda: A mixed design study with pre/post and cluster randomized trial components | Weaver M.R., Burnett S.M., Crozier I., Kinoti S.N., Kirunda I., Mbonye M.K., Naikoba S., Ronald A., Rubashembusya T., Zawedde S., Willis K.S. | 2014 | PLoS ONE | 9 | 8 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0103017 | Departments of Global Health and Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States; Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Mbarara, Uganda; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Institute of Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom | Weaver, M.R., Departments of Global Health and Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Burnett, S.M., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Crozier, I., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States; Kinoti, S.N., Center for Human Services, University Research Co. LLC, Bethesda, MD, United States, Fio Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada; Kirunda, I., Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Mbarara, Uganda; Mbonye, M.K., Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Naikoba, S., Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Ronald, A., Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Rubashembusya, T., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Institute of Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Zawedde, S., Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Willis, K.S., Accordia Global Health Foundation, Washington, DC, United States | Background: The effects of two interventions, Integrated Management of Infectious Disease (IMID) training program and On-Site Support (OSS), were tested on 23 facility performance indicators for emergency triage assessment and treatment (ETAT), malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV. Methods: The trial was implemented in 36 primary care facilities in Uganda. From April 2010, two mid-level practitioners per facility participated in IMID training. Eighteen of 36 facilities were randomly assigned to Arm A, and received OSS in 2010 (nine monthly two-day sessions); 18 facilities assigned to Arm B did not receive OSS in 2010. Data were collected from Nov 2009 to Dec 2010 using a revised Ministry of Health outpatient medical form and nine registers. We analyzed the effect of IMID training alone by measuring changes before and during IMID training in Arm B, the combined effect of IMID training and OSS by measuring changes in Arm A, and the incremental effect of OSS by comparing changes across Arms A and B. Results: IMID training was associated with statistically significant improvement in three indicators: outpatients triaged (adjusted relative risks (aRR) = 1.29, 99%CI = 1.01,1.64), emergency and priority patients admitted, detained, or referred (aRR = 1.59, 99%CI = 1.04,2.44), and pneumonia suspects assessed (aRR = 2.31, 99%CI = 1.50,3.55). IMID training and OSS combined was associated with improvements in six indicators: three ETAT indicators (outpatients triaged (aRR = 2.03, 99%CI = 1.13,3.64), emergency and priority patients admitted, detained or referred (aRR = 3.03, 99%CI = 1.40,6.56), and emergency patients receiving at least one appropriate treatment (aRR = 1.77, 99%CI = 1.10,2.84)); two malaria indicators (malaria cases receiving appropriate antimalarial (aRR = 1.50, 99%CI = 1.04,2.17), and patients with negative malaria test results prescribed antimalarial (aRR = 0.67, 99%CI = 0.46,0.97)); and enrollment in HIV care (aRR = 1.58, 99%CI = 1.32,1.89). OSS was associated with incremental improvement in emergency patients receiving at least one appropriate treatment (adjusted ratio of RR = 1.84,99%CI = 1.09,3.12). Conclusion: The trial showed that the OSS intervention significantly improved performance in one of 23 facility indicators. © 2014 Weaver et al. | None | antimalarial agent; article; cluster analysis; emergency health service; health care access; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infectious disease medicine; integrated health care system; Integrated Management of Infectious Disease training program; intervention study; malaria; On Site Support program; outcomes research; outpatient care; patient referral; performance measurement system; pneumonia; prescription; primary medical care; program appropriateness; randomized controlled trial (topic); total quality management; tuberculosis; Uganda; health care facility; health care quality; HIV Infections; infectious disease medicine; malaria; organization and management; randomization; standards; tuberculosis; Cluster Analysis; Health Facilities; HIV Infections; Humans; Infectious Disease Medicine; Malaria; Quality Improvement; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Random Allocation; Tuberculosis; Uganda | B&MGF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48249131232 | Contributing to sustainability as an environmental impact assessment practitioner | Weaver A., Pope J., Morrison-Saunders A., Lochner P. | 2008 | Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal | 26 | 2 | 10.3152/146155108X316423 | CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Integral Sustainability, PO Box 79, South Fremantle, WA 6162, Australia; School of Enviromental Science, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia | Weaver, A., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Pope, J., Integral Sustainability, PO Box 79, South Fremantle, WA 6162, Australia; Morrison-Saunders, A., School of Enviromental Science, Murdoch University, South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; Lochner, P., CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa | Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the pre-eminent regulatory tool used worldwide in the name of sustainable development. Whilst it may not be perfect for this purpose, and recognising that project-based EIA has been soundly criticised for its perceived failings, it remains the preferred and most widely used tool for project-level assessment and the key (if not only) sustainable development-oriented tool in many countries. Drawing on examples and experience from Southern Africa and Australia, we urge practitioners to raise the bar on day-to-day EIA activities that will push the vectors of sustainability. We can all achieve positive gains for the environmental, social and economic parameters of development proposals through informed professionalism and the pursuit of best practice. Given that EIA is well enshrined in legislation worldwide, it is our responsibility as practitioners to use this important tool to maximise opportunities for sustainability. © IAIA 2008. | Australia; Best practice; Environmental impact assessment; Southern Africa; Sustainability; Sustainable development | best management practice; environmental impact assessment; environmental legislation; project assessment; sustainability; sustainable development; Africa; Australasia; Australia; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870486834 | Design and performance assessment of a low cost evaporative cooler for storage of camel milk in arid pastoral areas of kenya | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2012 | International Journal of Food Engineering | 8 | 1 | 10.1515/1556-3758.2323 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya; University of Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., University of Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., University of Nairobi, Kenya | A low-cost charcoal evaporative cooler was designed and tested for the storage of camel milk in an arid pastoral area of northern Kenya. The cooler, 0.75 m3 in capacity, was made of galvanised iron frame reinforced with wire mesh inside and out, leaving a 10 cm-wide cavity which was filled with charcoal. A water reservoir linked to the cooler at the top through a perforated pipe kept the charcoal continuously wet through drip system. A wind driven fan on the roof enhanced air movement through the charcoal walls by sucking out the air in the cooler. The cooler was evaluated for temperature and product response. The inside temperature was 1-11°C lower than outside temperature and inside humidity was 0-49% higher than outside. During the hottest time of the day (14.00 hrs) when cooling was most needed, the cooler consistently maintained an average temperature drop of 10.5±0.4°C below ambient temperature, which varied from 29-32°C. This reduction in temperature was 35.6% and statistically significant (p=0.05). During this time, cooling efficiency varied between 74.2 to 86.7%. Temperature of camel milk inside the cooler did not significantly increase (p>0.05) between morning time and evening time. However, temperature of control milk at ambient conditions significantly (p=0.05) changed over the same period, from 22.6±0.08°C to 28.1±0.08°C. Milk inside the cooler was also significantly cooler (p=0.05) than control milk in the evening, with a net temperature reduction of 27.0%. Total bacterial count changed from 31.4±2.1 x 104 cfu/ml to 43.1±1.9 x 104 and 1638±81 x 104 cfu/ml for test and control milk, respectively, after storage for 10 hours. As an inexpensive alternative to mechanical refrigeration, evaporative cooling technology is promising and suitable for rural application in arid pastoral areas without grid electricity, to minimise risk of milk spoilage at collection points and retail level, and thereby encourage organised women groups to get involved in milk marketing as a source of income. © 2012 De Gruyter. | Arid areas; Camel milk storage; Design; Evaporative cooler; Kenya; Performance | Air movement; Ambient conditions; Arid area; Cooling efficiency; Drip system; Evaporative coolers; Evaporative cooling; Grid electricity; Inside temperature; Kenya; Low costs; Mechanical refrigeration; Performance; Performance assessment; Rural application; Temperature drops; Temperature reduction; Total bacterial count; Wire meshes; Arid regions; Cooling; Design; Evaporative cooling systems; Charcoal; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865541913 | Thermal performance of four types of water heating flat plate solar collectors for providing process heat for milk pasteurisation | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2012 | Journal of Applied Sciences Research | 8 | 5 | None | National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya; Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053 (00625), Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053 (00625), Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 147 (60500), Marsabit, Kenya | Thermal performance tests were carried out on four water heating flat plate solar collectors with the aim to select a suitable one to be used to provide process heat for milk pasteurisation. The collectors included three commercial solar collectors purchased from local shops in Nairobi, Kenya and one prototype collector designed and fabricated by the author. The three commercial solar collectors had effective areas of 1.67, 1.87 and 1.83 m 2 while the self-made collector had an effective area of 1.60 m 2. Thermal performance of the collectors was determined in terms of the Hottel-Whillier-Bliss equation, with FR(tα)e and F RU L indicating how energy is absorbed and lost from the collector, respectively. The FR(tα)e values were 0.76, 0.75, 0.73, and 0.82, respectively, for the commercial collectors and the self-made collector. The F RU L values were 8.33, 12.01, 9.80 and 13.77 W.m -2.C -1, respectively. The instantaneous efficiencies for the four solar collectors ranged from 12 to 87%. The solar collector with the lowest F RU L value had a special (black chrome) selective absorber surface and was also the most cost effective collector for delivering temperatures of about 80°C. This collector is the most suitable for medium temperature applications such as provision of hot water for milk pasteurisation. | Flat-plate solar collectors; Thermal performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875606671 | Design and performance assessment of a flat-plate solar milk pasteurizer for arid pastoral areas of kenya | Wayua F.O., Okoth M.W., Wangoh J. | 2013 | Journal of Food Processing and Preservation | 37 | 2 | 10.1111/j.1745-4549.2011.00628.x | National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 147, Marsabit 60500, Kenya; Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | Wayua, F.O., National Arid Lands Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 147, Marsabit 60500, Kenya; Okoth, M.W., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Wangoh, J., Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya | A solar milk pasteurizer consisting of flat-plate water-heating collector and a 1.5-mm thick stainless steel cylindrical milk vat was designed and tested in an arid pastoral area of northern Kenya. The milk vat had a capacity of 80L and a 50-mm wide hot water jacket insulated with 38-mm thick fiberglass. Hot water produced by the collector was used for pasteurizing milk. The optimum quantity of milk that could be pasteurized by this device under the study conditions was 40L, and the average temperature difference between hot water and milk being pasteurized was 8.1±1.4C. Total bacterial counts in pasteurized milk were less than 10cfu/mL while coliform counts were negative. This low-cost solar milk pasteurizer is appropriate for arid pastoral areas without grid electricity, where milk marketing is an important income source, and where most of the milk is boiled using firewood. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | None | Flat plate; Grid electricity; Income sources; Marketing IS; Pasteurized milk; Performance assessment; Temperature differences; Total bacterial count; Water; Pasteurization; Bacteria (microorganisms); Lycium andersonii | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79961088486 | Impact of sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on sugarcane yield in field trials | Way M.J., Rutherford R.S., Sewpersad C., Leslie G.W., Keeping M.G. | 2011 | International Sugar Journal | 113 | 1351 | None | South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa | Way, M.J., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Rutherford, R.S., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Sewpersad, C., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Leslie, G.W., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa; Keeping, M.G., South African Sugarcane Research Institute, P/Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa | Two field trials were conducted on the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI) research farm at Gingindlovu to study the effect of sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on various parameters relating to sugarcane yield. Stalk yield components measured were: cane (grams/stalk); sucrose (grams/stalk); Brix % dry matter; purity %; dry matter % cane; fibre % cane; Brix % cane; Pol % cane; ERC % cane. Stalk characteristics measured were: mean stalk length (cm); number of stalks per plot; and stalk diameter. Final yields were assessed as tons cane/ha and tons sucrose/ha. The experiment design allowed comparison between F. serrata numbers in untreated sugarcane and sugarcane treated with the insecticide, imidacloprid. F. serrata numbers were significantly lower in treated sugarcane. Yield reductions attributable to F. serrata infestations of between 18.0 and 26.8% (tons cane/ha) and between 16.2 and 24.0% (tons sucrose/ha), were measured in these trials. | Fulmekiola serrata; Imidacloprid; Stalk characteristics; Sugarcane thrips; Thysanoptera; Yield | Kobus; Thripidae; Thysanoptera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896089642 | The impact of methamphetamine ("tik") on a peri-urban community in Cape Town, South Africa | Watt M.H., Meade C.S., Kimani S., MacFarlane J.C., Choi K.W., Skinner D., Pieterse D., Kalichman S.C., Sikkema K.J. | 2014 | International Journal of Drug Policy | 25 | 2 | 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.10.007 | Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Duke University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Stellenbosch University, Unit for Research on Health and Society, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; University of Connecticut, Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269, United States | Watt, M.H., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Meade, C.S., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States, Duke University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Kimani, S., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; MacFarlane, J.C., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Choi, K.W., Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708, United States; Skinner, D., Stellenbosch University, Unit for Research on Health and Society, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Pieterse, D., Stellenbosch University, Unit for Research on Health and Society, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Kalichman, S.C., University of Connecticut, Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269, United States; Sikkema, K.J., Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States, Duke University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, United States, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 90086, Durham, NC 27708, United States | Background: Over the last decade, South Africa's Western Cape has experienced a dramatic increase in methamphetamine (". tik") use. Our study explored local impressions of the impact of tik use in a peri-urban township community in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 55 women and 37 men who were regular attendees of alcohol-serving venues. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A content analysis approach was used to identify themes related to the impact of tik use based on levels of the socio-ecological framework (individual, inter-personal and community). Results: Tik use was reported to be a greater issue among Coloureds, compared to Blacks. At an individual level, respondents reported that tik use had adverse effects on mental, physical, and economic well-being, and limited future opportunities through school drop-out and incarceration. At an inter-personal level, respondents reported that tik use contributed to physical and sexual violence as well as increased rates of sexual risk behaviour, particularly through transactional sex relationships. Respondents described how tik use led to household conflict, and had negative impacts on children, including neglect and poor birth outcomes. At a community level, respondents linked tik use to increased rates of crime, violence and corruption, which undercut community cohesion. Conclusions: Our results highlight the negative impact that tik is having on individuals, households and the overall community in a peri-urban setting in South Africa. There is a clear need for interventions to prevent tik use in South Africa and to mitigate and address the impact of tik on multiple levels. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Methamphetamine; Qualitative; South Africa | methamphetamine; methamphetamine; adult; article; child neglect; content analysis; crime; family conflict; female; high risk behavior; human; male; methamphetamine dependence; physical violence; priority journal; race difference; sexual violence; South Africa; transactional sex; urban population; adolescent; attitude; Black person; demography; family size; human relation; middle aged; psychology; qualitative research; urban population; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Attitude; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Methamphetamine; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Residence Characteristics; South Africa; Urban Population; Young Adult | 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-s2.0-84918806212 | Design and positive financial impact of crush pillars on mechanized deep-level mining at South Deep Gold Mine | Watson B.P., Pretorius W., Mpunzi P., Du Plooy M., Matthysen K., Kuijpers J.S. | 2014 | Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy | 114 | 10 | None | Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; Centre for Mining Innovation CSIR, South Africa | Watson, B.P., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Pretorius, W., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Mpunzi, P., SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, South Africa; Du Plooy, M., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Matthysen, K., Gold Fields Ltd, South Africa; Kuijpers, J.S., Centre for Mining Innovation CSIR, South Africa | Crush pillars have been incorporated into a mechanized, low-profile trackless system at South Deep Gold Msine. These pillars had to be designed to fail near the face and to ensure that pillar failure is contained within the pillar, to avoid bursting and the risk of high loads being generated during a seismic event, respectively. PoweRite backfill bags were recommended to maintain the integrity of the pillars; except in the main access drives, where the sidewalls were to be supported on 5.6 mm diameter weld mesh and yielding anchors. The results of a trial site investigation exceeded expectations, showing a residual pillar strength of about 37 MPa for a newly formed pillar and 8 MPa for a pillar subjected to seismicity and a closure of more than 300 mm. The introduction of these pillars has improved the rock mass conditions because of the active nature of the support, compared to the previous passive backfill method. Importantly, the pillars have increased mining efficiencies and improved face availability. A potential cost saving to the mine of R140.9 million could be realized over a period of 10 years. © The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2014. | Backfill; Crush pillars; De-stress mining | Economic geology; Gold; Gold mines; Backfill; Crush pillars; Deep gold mines; Deep-level mining; Financial impacts; Pillar failures; Residual pillars; Site investigations; Room and pillar mining | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57049149645 | Impact of the copper solvent extraction reagent LIX 984N on the growth and activity of selected acidophiles | Watling H.R., Perrot F.A., Shiers D.W., Grosheva A., Richards T.N. | 2009 | Hydrometallurgy | 95 | 42433 | 10.1016/j.hydromet.2008.07.004 | Parker Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions, CSIRO Minerals, PO Box 7229, Karawara, WA 6152, Australia; Laboratory of Chemical Thermodynamics, Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonossov State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, Moscow, 119992, Russian Federation; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | Watling, H.R., Parker Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions, CSIRO Minerals, PO Box 7229, Karawara, WA 6152, Australia; Perrot, F.A., Parker Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions, CSIRO Minerals, PO Box 7229, Karawara, WA 6152, Australia; Shiers, D.W., Parker Centre for Integrated Hydrometallurgy Solutions, CSIRO Minerals, PO Box 7229, Karawara, WA 6152, Australia; Grosheva, A., Laboratory of Chemical Thermodynamics, Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonossov State University, Leninskie Gory 1-3, Moscow, 119992, Russian Federation; Richards, T.N., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701 Cape Town, South Africa | The effects of the copper extractant LIX 984N 20% v/v in Shellsol 2046 on the abilities of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans to catalyse copper extraction from a chalcopyrite concentrate and to oxidise ferrous ion to ferric ion were compared and the possible role of Acidiphilium cryptum in ameliorating the effects of the SX reagent was examined. The SX reagent up to 250 mg/L was found to have little impact on the extraction of copper from a chalcopyrite concentrate using At. ferrooxidans. In contrast, with S. thermosulfidooxidans, copper extraction was reduced to about one third in the presence of 50 mg/L SX reagent and at 250 mg/L SX reagent, was barely more than for an abiotic test. The SX reagent strongly inhibited ferrous ion biooxidation by several bacterial species in contrast to At. ferrooxidans. The presence of 50 mg/L SX reagent caused oxidation rates to drop to between 0 and 12% of those in controls in approximately 40-hour tests. The most toxic component of the SX reagent was found to be 4-nonylphenol. A. cryptum tolerated 250 mg/L SX reagent but did not utilise it as an energy source. Bioleaching of chalcopyrite concentrate was not enhanced significantly when A. cryptum was added to test inocula. It is proposed that A. cryptum utilises fungal biomass as an energy source in managed heaps with solution recycle via solvent extraction plants. While it shares the environment with iron- and sulfur-oxidising acidophiles, it does not contribute directly to copper extraction from sulfide minerals. Crown Copyright © 2008. | Acidiphilium; Acidithiobacillus; Bioleaching; Ferrous ion oxidation; Organic reagents; Sulfobacillus | Bioleaching; Biomass; Chemical oxygen demand; Copper; Copper compounds; Extraction; Ions; Iron; Oxidation; Phenols; Renewable energy resources; Solvent extraction; Solvents; Sulfide minerals; Sulfur; Acidiphilium; Acidithiobacillus; Ferrous ion oxidation; Organic reagents; Sulfobacillus; Rate constants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36549088200 | Evaluation of filter paper transfer of whole-blood and plasma samples for quantifying HIV RNA in subjects on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda | Waters L., Kambugu A., Tibenderana H., Meya D., John L., Mandalia S., Nabankema M., Namugga I., Quinn T.C., Gazzard B., Reynolds S.J., Nelson M. | 2007 | Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes | 46 | 5 | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e318159d7f4 | St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; St. Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom | Waters, L., St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom, St. Mary's Hospital, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom; Kambugu, A., Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Tibenderana, H., Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Meya, D., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; John, L., St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom, Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Mandalia, S., St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Nabankema, M., Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Namugga, I., Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Quinn, T.C., National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Gazzard, B., St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Reynolds, S.J., St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Nelson, M., St. Stephens AIDS Trust, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom | BACKGROUND: Most HIV-infected subjects on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings do not undergo virologic monitoring. There is an urgent need for cheap, accessible HIV RNA assays for early diagnosis of virologic failure. We investigated filter paper transfer (FPT) of whole blood and plasma as an alternative to standard plasma-based assays for virologic monitoring in Uganda. METHODS: Whole blood (n = 306) and plasma (n = 218) from 402 subjects established on ART were spotted onto filter paper and transported to Europe for HIV RNA extraction and quantification. These results were compared to a gold standard plasma assay in Kampala. RESULTS: Of 402 ART-treated subjects, 39 (9.7%) had viremia detectable (>500 copies/mL) by local methods. Plasma FPT showed excellent agreement with gold standard, whereas whole blood yielded a large number of false-positive viral loads. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the use of FPT in ART-treated subjects and demonstrates that it may provide a practical, reliable method for virologic monitoring in resource-poor settings. Plasma FPT was accurate but requires centrifuge; whole blood produced a high number of false-positive results, but these were low-level. Whole blood may be sufficiently accurate if higher HIV RNA cut-offs were used to define virologic failure. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Antiretroviral monitoring; Developing world; Dried blood spot; Viral load; Virologic | antiretrovirus agent; virus RNA; article; blood filter; blood sampling; controlled study; Europe; evaluation; false positive result; gold standard; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; plasma; priority journal; RNA extraction; transport medium; Uganda; viremia; virus load; Anti-HIV Agents; Blood; Blood Chemical Analysis; False Positive Reactions; HIV Infections; Humans; Plasma; Predictive Value of Tests; RNA, Viral; Specimen Handling; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941925633 | Recall and understanding of feedback by adult patients following diagnostic audiological evaluation | Watermeyer J., Kanji A., Mlambo N. | 2015 | International Journal of Audiology | 54 | 10 | 10.3109/14992027.2015.1051667 | Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Watermeyer, J., Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Kanji, A., Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mlambo, N., Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa | Objective: Patient recall and understanding of information provided during feedback sessions may impact on adherence to treatment recommendations and may be affected by the audiologist's information giving style. This study examined patients recall and understanding of diagnostic audiological information provided in a feedback session after an initial assessment. Design: An exploratory, qualitative research design was used and involved: (1) observation of audiological assessments; (2) video recording of feedback sessions between audiologists and patients; (3) audio recorded semi-structured interviews with participants. Transcription-less analysis was used for the videoed interactions and content analysis for the interviews. Study sample: Participants included five adult second-language English speaking patients and five audiologists at an audiology clinic. Results: Patients correctly recalled and understood diagnoses and recommendations but struggled to recall other information provided. There appeared to be a mismatch between the information audiologists deemed important, versus what patients actually recalled and understood. Both facilitatory and inhibitory information giving strategies were used by audiologists in feedback sessions. Conclusion: This study suggests the need for a greater focus on communication skills training in the audiology curriculum with particular attention paid to information giving strategies and patient-centredness. Implications for teaching and practice are discussed. © 2015 British Society of Audiology, International Society of Audiology, and Nordic Audiological Society. | audiology; diagnosis; feedback; patient education; Recall; understanding | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-66349115310 | Evaluation of growth and carbon storage as influenced by soil chemical properties and moisture on teak (Tectona grandis) in Ashanti region, Ghana | Watanabe Y., Masunaga T., Owusu-Sekyere E., Buri M.M., Oladele O.I., Wakatsuki T. | 2009 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 7 | 2 | None | Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue 690-8504, Japan; Forest Research Institute of Ghana, University Box 63, Kumasi, Ghana; Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana; Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nara 332-7204, Japan | Watanabe, Y., Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue 690-8504, Japan; Masunaga, T., Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue 690-8504, Japan; Owusu-Sekyere, E., Forest Research Institute of Ghana, University Box 63, Kumasi, Ghana; Buri, M.M., Soil Research Institute, Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana; Oladele, O.I., Department of Agricultural Economics, Education and Extension, Botswana College of Agriculture, University of Botswana, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana; Wakatsuki, T., Faculty of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nara 332-7204, Japan | This study was conducted to assess the growth and carbon storage of Tectona grandis (Verbenaceae) and to evaluate the influence of chemical properties and moisture of soil on teak (Tectona grandis) growth in Afrensu Brohuma Forest Reserve, Ghana. Teak growth was classified as good (1), medium (2) and poor growth (3) and aboveground biomass and carbon storage were estimated. The aboveground carbon storage and chemical properties of soils in the study sites and those of other teak plantations and different tree species were compared and the relationships between the volumetric water content of soils and growth class of teak were determined. Precipitation seemed to influence height and aboveground biomass of teak. The soil total N and exchangeable K in the study sites were lower than those in other teak plantations in the region. The volumetric water content in soils of most Class 1 sites was significantly higher than that in Class 2 sites. Consequently, teak growth was probably affected by some chemical properties and moisture status of soils in the present study sites. It is therefore necessary to preserve the teak plantation on long term to achieve efficient carbon storage in a plantation for carbon projects. | Biomass; Carbon storage; Growth class; K; N; Plantation; Soil chemical properties; Soil moisture; Teak; Tectona grandis; Tree growth | carbon; nitrogen; potassium; water; article; biomass; carbon storage; comparative study; controlled study; forest; Ghana; nonhuman; plant growth; plant height; plantation; precipitation; soil chemistry; soil moisture; species; tectona grandis; Verbenaceae; volumetry; water content; Tectona grandis; Verbenaceae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956600180 | Health worker performance in the management of paediatric fevers following in-service training and exposure to job aids in Kenya | Wasunna B., Zurovac D., Bruce J., Jones C., Webster J., Snow R.W. | 2010 | Malaria Journal | 9 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-261 | Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, Kenya; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit (DCVBU), Keppel Street, WCIE 7HT, London, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, 85 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States; KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya | Wasunna, B., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, Kenya, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit (DCVBU), Keppel Street, WCIE 7HT, London, United Kingdom; Zurovac, D., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, 85 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, United States; Bruce, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit (DCVBU), Keppel Street, WCIE 7HT, London, United Kingdom; Jones, C., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit (DCVBU), Keppel Street, WCIE 7HT, London, United Kingdom, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 230-80108, Kilifi, Kenya; Webster, J., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Disease Control and Vector Biology Unit (DCVBU), Keppel Street, WCIE 7HT, London, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Malaria Public Health and Epidemiology Group, KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, Kenya, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom | Background: Improving the way artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is provided to patients attending clinics is critical to maximize the benefit of this new medicine. In 2007, a new initiative was launched in one part of Kenya to improve malaria case-management through enhanced in-service training and provision of job aids. Methods: An evaluation of the intervention using pre- and post-intervention cross sectional health facility surveys was conducted in Bondo district. The surveys included: audit of government health facilities, health worker structured interviews and exit interviews with caretakers of sick children below five years of age. The outcome indicators were the proportions of febrile children who had AL prescribed, AL dispensed, and four different dispensing and counseling tasks performed. Results: At baseline 33 government health facilities, 48 health workers and 386 febrile child consultations were evaluated. At follow-up the same health facilities were surveyed and 36 health workers and 390 febrile child consultations evaluated. The findings show: 1) no health facility or health worker was exposed to all components of the intervention; 2) the proportion of health workers who received the enhanced in-service training was 67%; 3) the proportion of febrile children with uncomplicated malaria treated with the first-line anti-malarial drug, artemether-lumefantrine (AL), at health facilities where AL was in stock increased from 76.9% (95%CI: 69.4, 83.1) to 87.6% (95% CI: 82.5, 91.5); 4) there were modest but non-significant improvements in dispensing and counseling practices; and 5) when the analyses were restricted to health workers who received the enhanced in-service training and/or had received new guidelines and job aids, no significant improvements in reported case-management tasks were observed compared to baseline. Conclusion: In-service training and provision of job aids alone may not be adequate to improve the prescribing, dispensing and counseling tasks necessary to change malaria case-management practices and the inclusion of supervision and post-training follow-up should be considered in future clinical practice change initiatives. © 2010 Wasunna et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | artemether plus benflumetol; antimalarial agent; artemether plus benflumetol; artemisinin derivative; ethanolamine derivative; fluorene derivative; article; case management; child; child care; consultation; counseling; endemic disease; fever; follow up; government; health care facility; health care personnel; health care practice; health care quality; health survey; human; in service training; infant; job performance; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; medical audit; practice guideline; preschool child; cross-sectional study; drug combination; education; health services research; malaria; newborn; professional competence; pyrexia idiopathica; statistics; Antimalarials; Artemisinins; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug Combinations; Ethanolamines; Fever of Unknown Origin; Fluorenes; Health Personnel; Health Services Research; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Kenya; Malaria; Professional Competence | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940488699 | The impact of a community awareness strategy on caregiver treatment seeking behaviour and use of artemether-lumefantrine for febrile children in rural Kenya | Wasunna B., Okiro E.A., Webster J., Todd J., Snow R.W., Jones C. | 2015 | PLoS ONE | 10 | 7 | 10.1371/journal.pone.0130305 | Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Health Systems and Social Science Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C), P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya | Wasunna, B., Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Okiro, E.A., Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Webster, J., Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Todd, J., Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom; Snow, R.W., Department of Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMRC), P.O. Box 43640-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Jones, C., Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, Keppel Street, London, United Kingdom, Health Systems and Social Science Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast (CGMR-C), P.O. Box 230, Kilifi, Kenya | Background: Access to prompt and effective treatment is the cornerstone for malaria control. Population Services International in collaboration with the Ministry of Health launched a malaria behaviour change communication intervention in Nyanza province, Kenya. The initiative aimed to improve: symptom recognition and prompt access to government health facilities for febrile children; effective treatment with the recommended first-line drug artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in public health facilities and adherence to the AL regimen. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention cross-sectional household surveys were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on prompt and correct use of AL for febrile children below five years of age. The primary outcome was the proportion of children below five years of age with fever in the last 14 days accessing AL within 48 hours of fever onset. Results: There was an increase from 62.8% pre-intervention to 79.4% post-intervention (95% CI: 11.1, 22.1) in caregivers who reported seeking formal treatment promptly (on the same day, or next day) for their febrile children. However, there was a decrease in the use of government health facilities in the post-intervention period. There was a small increase in the proportion of children accessing AL within 48 hours of fever onset [18.4% vs 23.5% (0.1-10.0)]. Conclusion: The findings of this evaluation demonstrate that interventions that target only one sector may have a limited impact on improvements in prompt and effective treatment where multiple sources of treatments are sought for febrile illness. Additionally, the context in which an intervention is implemented is likely to influence the process and outcomes. © 2015 Wasunna et al. | None | amodiaquine; artemether plus benflumetol; chloroquine; dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine; pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine; quinine; Article; behavior change; caregiver; child; childhood disease; community care; cross-sectional study; female; fever; health care access; health care facility; health care utilization; health promotion; help seeking behavior; human; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; male; medication compliance; outcome assessment; patient compliance; rural area | 092654, Wellcome Trust |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905455188 | Milk production performances of Holstein Friesian x Arsi and Holstein Friesian x Boran cross-bred cattle at Agarfa Agricultural Technical Vocational and Educational Training (ATVET) College, Oromia, Ethiopia | Wassie T., Mekuriaw G., Mekuriaw Z. | 2014 | Livestock Research for Rural Development | 26 | 8 | None | Department of Animal science, Assosa University, P.O.Box 18, Asosa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), LIVES Project, P.O.Box 1867, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Wassie, T., Department of Animal science, Assosa University, P.O.Box 18, Asosa, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, G., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O.Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Mekuriaw, Z., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), LIVES Project, P.O.Box 1867, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The study was carried out at Agarfa ATVET College dairy farm to evaluate the milk production performances of Holstein Friesian x Arsi and Holstein Friesian x Boran cross cattle breeds. For the study, records compiled from 1983 to 2012 at the Agarfa dairy farm were used as original data. Effects of breed, blood level, season and parity on milk yield traits were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the general linear model of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.1. The overall means for daily milk yield were 6.38 and 7.02 kg and for lactation milk yield 1925 and 2136 kg for Friesian x Arsi and Friesian x Boran cross, respectively. Generally the productive performance of cows reported in this study was lower than the performance reported in many tropical regions. Therefore, due consideration should be given to calf and heifer management, heat detection, feeding and health care. Furthermore, in this study Friesian x Boran cross were better than Friesian x Arsi in performance therefore attention should be given to keep this cross in the farm. | Blood level; Daily milk yield; Lactation length; Lactation milk yield | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871258311 | Genetic diversity of indigenous Bradyrhizobium nodulating promiscuous soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] varieties in Kenya: Impact of phosphorus and lime fertilization in two contrasting sites | Wasike V.W., Lesueur D., Wachira F.N., Mungai N.W., Mumera L.M., Sanginga N., Mburu H.N., Mugadi D., Wango P., Vanlauwe B. | 2009 | Plant and Soil | 322 | 1 | 10.1007/s11104-009-9902-7 | Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), P.O. Box 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; CIRAD, PERSYST Department, UPR Ecosystems of Plantations, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cen. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | Wasike, V.W., Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), P.O. Box 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Lesueur, D., CIRAD, PERSYST Department, UPR Ecosystems of Plantations, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cen. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Wachira, F.N., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Mungai, N.W., Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Mumera, L.M., Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya; Sanginga, N., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Mburu, H.N., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Mugadi, D., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Wango, P., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya; Vanlauwe, B., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst. of the Inter. Cent. for Tropical Agri. (TSBF-CIAT), United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya | While soybean is an exotic crop introduced in Kenya early last century, promiscuous (TGx) varieties which nodulate with indigenous rhizobia have only recently been introduced. Since farmers in Kenya generally cannot afford or access fertilizer or inoculants, the identification of effective indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains which nodulate promiscuous soybean could be useful in the development of inoculant strains. Genetic diversity and phylogeny of indigenous Bradyrhizobium strains nodulating seven introduced promiscuous soybean varieties grown in two different sites in Kenya was assayed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. PCR-RFLP analysis directly applied on 289 nodules using Msp I distinguished 18 intergenic spacer groups (IGS) I-XVIII. Predominant IGS groups were I, III, II, IV and VI which constituted 43.9%, 24.6%, 8.3% 7.6% and 6.9% respectively of all the analyzed nodules from the two sites while IGS group VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIV, XVI, XVII, XVIII each constituted 1% or less. The IGS groups were specific to sites and treatments but not varieties. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that all indigenous strains belong to the genus Bradyrhizobium. Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Bradyrhizobium spp and Bradyrhizobium japonicum related strains were the most predominant and accounted for 37.9%, 34.5%, and 20.7% respectively while B. yuanmigense related accounted for 6.9% of all strains identified in the two combined sites. The diversity identified in Bradyrhizobium populations in the two sites represent a valuable genetic resource that has potential utility for the selection of more competitive and effective strains to improve biological nitrogen fixation and thus increase soybean yields at low cost. © Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2009. | Agro-ecological zones; Genetic diversity; Polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism; Promiscuous soybean | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872804834 | Monitoring basin-scale land cover changes in Kagera Basin of Lake Victoria using: Ancillary data and remote sensing | Wasige J.E., Groen T.A., Smaling E., Jetten V. | 2012 | International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation | 21 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jag.2012.08.005 | Faculty for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, Twente University, P.O Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands; Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Soils and Soil Research Programme, National Agriculture Research Laboratories (NARL) Kawanda (Uganda), P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda | Wasige, J.E., Faculty for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, Twente University, P.O Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands, Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Soils and Soil Research Programme, National Agriculture Research Laboratories (NARL) Kawanda (Uganda), P.O. Box 7065, Kampala, Uganda; Groen, T.A., Faculty for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, Twente University, P.O Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands; Smaling, E., Faculty for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, Twente University, P.O Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands; Jetten, V., Faculty for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, Twente University, P.O Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, Netherlands | The Kagera Basin is a high value ecosystem in the Lake Victoria watershed because of the hydrological and food services it provides. The basin has faced large scale human induced land use and land cover changes (LUCC), but quantitative data is to date lacking. A combination of ancillary data and satellite imagery were interpreted to construct LUCC dynamics for the last century. This study is an initial step towards assessing the impact of LUCC on sustainable agriculture and water quality in the watershed. The results show that large trends of LUCC have rapidly occurred over the last 100 years. The most dominant LUCC processes were gains in farmland areas (not detectable in 1901 to 60% in 2010) and a net reduction in dense forest (7% to 2.6%), woodlands (51% to 6.9%) and savannas (35% to 19.6%) between 1901 and 2010. Forest degradation rapidly occurred during 1974 and 1995 but the forest re-grew between 1995 and 2010 due to forest conservation efforts. Afforestation efforts have resulted in plantation forest increases between 1995 and 2010. The rates of LUCC observed are higher than those reported in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and other parts of the world. This is one of the few studies in SSA at a basin scale that combines multisource spatio-temporal data on land cover to enable long-term quantification of land cover changes. In the discussion we address future research needs for the area based on the results of this study. These research needs include quantifying the impacts of land cover change on nutrient and sediment dynamics, soil organic carbon stocks, and changes in biodiversity. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Data integration; Eutrophication; GIS/remote sensing; Historical analysis; Lake victoria basin; Land degradation; Land use/land cover changes | afforestation; alternative agriculture; anthropogenic effect; biodiversity; data interpretation; ecosystem modeling; future prospect; land cover; land use change; monitoring system; nutrient dynamics; quantitative analysis; remote sensing; research work; satellite imagery; sedimentation rate; soil organic matter; trend analysis; vegetation dynamics; water quality; East African Lakes; Kagera River; Lake Victoria; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945277254 | Impact of land cover changes and topography on soil quality in the Kasso catchment, Bale Mountains of southeastern Ethiopia | Warra H.H., Ahmed M.A., Nicolau M.D. | 2015 | Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography | 36 | 3 | 10.1111/sjtg.12124 | Department of Geography, Madawalabu University, Bale, Ethiopia; Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa; Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Warra, H.H., Department of Geography, Madawalabu University, Bale, Ethiopia, Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa; Ahmed, M.A., Geography and Environmental Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nicolau, M.D., Department of Geography, University of South Africa, Gauteng, South Africa | This study assessed land cover change and topographic elevation on selected soil quality parameters in the Kasso catchment, southeastern Ethiopia. Twenty-seven soil samples collected from 0-30cm depth under four land cover types across three elevation gradients were analysed for selected soil quality parameters. Results indicated that soil particle size distribution is different (p<0.001) in the catchment because of the effect of land cover change and elevation. Most cultivated lands occupy lower elevations where clay accumulates as a result of its movement from higher to lower elevations. Ploughing accentuates weathering, making cultivated lands richer in finer materials. Cation exchange capacity and exchangeable magnesium and potassium negatively correlated with elevation, total nitrogen and available phosphorous. Conversion of natural vegetation to cropland contributed to changes in pH (p<0.05), exchangeable calcium (p<0.01), potassium (p<0.001), available phosphorous (p<0.01) and nitrogen (p<0.01) contents. Parameter soil degradation index results showed that soil organic carbon, nitrogen, available phosphorous and exchangeable potassium contents declined and bulk density increased because of the land cover change. This negative effect on agricultural development and environmental health of the catchment makes an integrated land resource management approach indispensable for sustaining agricultural productivity and the environmental health of the Kasso catchment. © 2015 Department of Geography, National University of Singapore and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. | Land use/cover; Resource management; Soil quality; Soil quality parameter; Spatial variation; Topographic elevation | cation exchange capacity; erosion rate; land cover; particle size; plowing; size distribution; soil degradation; soil erosion; soil quality; spatial variation; topographic effect; vegetation dynamics; Bale Mountains; Ethiopia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904727279 | Evaluation of waist-to-height ratio to predict 5 year cardiometabolic risk in sub-Saharan African adults | Ware L.J., Rennie K.L., Kruger H.S., Kruger I.M., Greeff M., Fourie C.M.T., Huisman H.W., Scheepers J.D.W., Uys A.S., Kruger R., Van Rooyen J.M., Schutte R., Schutte A.E. | 2014 | Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases | 24 | 8 | 10.1016/j.numecd.2014.02.005 | Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Centre for Lifespan and Chronic Illness Research, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom; Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa | Ware, L.J., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Rennie, K.L., Centre for Lifespan and Chronic Illness Research, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom; Kruger, H.S., Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Kruger, I.M., Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Greeff, M., Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa; Fourie, C.M.T., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Huisman, H.W., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Scheepers, J.D.W., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Uys, A.S., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Kruger, R., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Van Rooyen, J.M., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Schutte, R., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa; Schutte, A.E., Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, 2520, South Africa | Background and aims: Simple, low-cost central obesity measures may help identify individuals with increased cardiometabolic disease risk, although it is unclear which measures perform best in African adults. We aimed to: 1) cross-sectionally compare the accuracy of existing waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist circumference (WC) thresholds to identify individuals with hypertension, pre-diabetes, or dyslipidaemia; 2) identify optimal WC and WHtR thresholds to detect CVD risk in this African population; and 3) assess which measure best predicts 5-year CVD risk. Methods and results: Black South Africans (577 men, 942 women, aged >30years) were recruited by random household selection from four North West Province communities. Demographic and anthropometric measures were taken. Recommended diagnostic thresholds (WC > 80 cm for women, >94 cm for men; WHtR > 0.5) were evaluated to predict blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids, and glycated haemoglobin measured at baseline and 5 year follow up. Women were significantly more overweight than men at baseline (mean body mass index (BMI) women 27.3 ± 7.4 kg/m2, men 20.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2); median WC women 81.9 cm (interquartile range 61-103), men 74.7 cm (63-87 cm), all P < 0.001). In women, both WC and WHtR significantly predicted all cardiometabolic risk factors after 5 years. In men, even after adjusting WC threshold based on ROC analysis, WHtR better predicted overall 5-year risk. Neither measure predicted hypertension in men. Conclusions: The WHtR threshold of >0.5 appears to be more consistently supported and may provide a better predictor of future cardiometabolic risk in sub-Saharan Africa. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Cardiovascular disease; Diabetes; Dyslipidaemia; Hypertension; Risk factors; Sub-saharan Africa; Waist circumference; Waist-to-height ratio | glucose; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; triacylglycerol; cholesterol; glucose blood level; glucosylated hemoglobin A; glycosylated hemoglobin; triacylglycerol; adult; anthropometric parameters; article; blood pressure monitoring; body mass; cardiometabolic risk; cardiovascular risk; clinical evaluation; dyslipidemia; evaluation and follow up; female; human; major clinical study; male; middle aged; priority journal; prospective study; receiver operating characteristic; sensitivity and specificity; waist circumference; waist to height ratio; Africa south of the Sahara; analogs and derivatives; Black person; blood; blood pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; cross-sectional study; demography; diabetes mellitus; Dyslipidemias; family size; follow up; glucose blood level; hypertension; metabolism; prevalence; risk factor; Adult; Africa South of the Sahara; African Continental Ancestry Group; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Diabetes Mellitus; Dyslipidemias; Family Characteristics; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors; ROC Curve; Triglycerides; Waist Circumference; Waist-Height Ratio | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855205602 | Hydrological impacts of land use change in three diverse South African catchments | Warburton M.L., Schulze R.E., Jewitt G.P.W. | 2012 | Journal of Hydrology | None | None | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2011.10.028 | School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PBag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Warburton, M.L., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PBag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Schulze, R.E., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PBag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Jewitt, G.P.W., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PBag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | In order to meet society's needs for water, food, fuel and fibre, the earth's natural land cover and land use have been significantly changed. These changes have impacted on the hydrological responses and thus available water resources, as the hydrological responses of a catchment are dependent upon, and sensitive to, changes in the land use. The degree of anthropogenic modification of the land cover, the intensity of the land use changes and location of land uses within a catchment determines the extent to which land uses influences hydrological response of a catchment.The objective of the study was to improve understanding of the complex interactions between hydrological response and land use to aid in water resources planning. To achieve this, a hydrological model, viz. the ACRU agrohydrological model, which adequately represents hydrological processes and is sensitive to land use changes, was used to generate hydrological responses from three diverse, complex and operational South African catchments under both current land use and a baseline land cover. The selected catchments vary with respect to both land use and climate. The semi-arid sub-tropical Luvuvhu catchment has a large proportion of subsistence agriculture and informal residential areas, whereas in the winter rainfall Upper Breede catchment the primary land uses are commercial orchards and vineyards. The sub-humid Mgeni catchment is dominated by commercial plantation forestry in the upper reaches, commercial sugarcane and urban areas in the middle reaches, with the lower reaches dominated by urban areas.The hydrological responses of the selected catchments to land use change were complex. Results showed that the contributions of different land uses to the streamflow generated from a catchment is not proportional to the relative area of that land use, and the relative contribution of the land use to the catchment streamflow varies with the mean annual rainfall of the catchment. Furthermore, it was shown that the location of specific land uses within a catchment has a role in the response of the streamflow of the catchment to that land use change. From the Mgeni catchment, the significant role of the water engineered system on catchment streamflow was evident. Hydrological models have drawbacks associated with them due to inherent uncertainties. However, in this study the ACRU model proved to be a useful tool to assess the impacts of land use change on the hydrological response as impacts from the local scale to catchment scale could be assessed as well as the progression of impacts of land use changes as the streamflow cascades downstream through the catchment. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | ACRU agrohydrological model; Baseline land cover; Hydrological response; Land use change | Annual rainfall; Anthropogenic modification; Available water; Baseline land cover; Catchment scale; Commercial plantation; Complex interaction; Engineered systems; Hydrological impacts; Hydrological models; Hydrological process; Hydrological response; Land cover; Land use change; Local scale; Relative contribution; Residential areas; Semi arid; Sub-humid; Subsistence agriculture; Urban areas; Water resources planning; Winter rainfall; Agriculture; Land use; Landforms; Rain; Runoff; Stream flow; Urban planning; Water resources; Catchments; agricultural land; anthropogenic effect; baseline conditions; catchment; hydrological modeling; hydrological response; land cover; land use change; orchard; plantation forestry; semiarid region; streamflow; subsistence; subtropical region; uncertainty analysis; vineyard; water availability; water planning; water resource; Breede River; KwaZulu-Natal; Luvuvhu Basin; Mgeni River; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-57149090323 | Potential impacts of climate change on the climatically suitable growth areas of Pinus and Eucalyptus: Results from a sensitivity study in South Africa | Warburton M.L., Schulze R.E. | 2008 | Southern Forests | 70 | 1 | 10.2989/SOUTH.FOR.2008.70.1.5.515 | School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Warburton, M.L., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Schulze, R.E., School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Global average surface temperature has increased by approximately 0.74°C over the most recent 100-year period. At a regional level in South Africa, detectable changes in both the rainfall and temperature patterns have occurred in the past 50 years. Climate change has become a reality that can no longer be ignored. Given the relatively long timescales of plantto-harvest rotations in the commercial production forestry sector in South Africa, and the significant investment implied, climate change has the potential to have substantial impacts on forestry productivity and profitability. Under climate change conditions the climatically optimum areas for specific forest species are hypothesised to shift, with optimum areas changing in extent and location between and within provinces. This paper focuses on the Eucalyptus and Pinus genera. From the ICFR Forestry Productivity Toolbox, climate criteria for three Pinus species plus one hybrid, and four Eucalyptus species plus one hybrid, were used in combination with gridded maps of present mean annual temperature and mean annual rainfall to assess climatically optimum, moderate- and high-risk growth areas, as well as unsuitable growth areas over southern Africa. The temperature and rainfall variables were then perturbed through plausible ranges of projected future climates to determine the potential impacts of climate change on the climatically optimum, moderate and unsuitable growth areas of the Pinus and Eucalyptus families. For both families, rising temperatures may slightly increase the optimum growth area in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape, whereas in KwaZulu-Natal the area may reduce. The Pinus species showed less sensitivity to rising temperatures than eucalypts. The two hybrids exhibited less sensitivity than other species of their genera. The hybrid Pinus ExC emerged as least sensitive to increasing temperature. Declining rainfall concomitant with rising temperature will have an especially negative effect on total area of optimal growth. An increase in rainfall will, however, offset all negative impacts of temperature and increase total optimum growth area for both families. Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd. | Climate change; Eucalyptus; Pinus; Sensitivity analysis; Site suitability | Eucalyptus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887059894 | Pro-poor development performance of livestock projects: Analysis and lessons from projects' documentation [Résultats en matière de développement pro-pauvres des projets basés sur l'élevage: Analyse et enseignements tirés de la documentation de projets] | Wanyoike F., Baker D. | 2013 | Development in Practice | 23 | 7 | 10.1080/09614524.2013.811470 | International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | Wanyoike, F., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya; Baker, D., International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya | The importance of livestock as a pathway out of poverty is widely recognised, but the effectiveness of pro-poor livestock development projects has been questioned. This study examines a sample of livestock development projects to draw lessons about their effectiveness and identify best practice. A large proportion of projects (60 per cent) were categorised as having not been successful. Project success is found to be positively associated with size of project, diversity of direct project beneficiaries, institution development activities in projects, and effective monitoring and evaluation activities. Lack of reliability of government partners, and inclusion of other agricultural activities together with livestock activities in projects, undermine success. © 2013 Taylor & Francis. | Aid - Aid effectiveness; Labour and livelihoods - Poverty reduction | agricultural development; aid flow; development project; institutional development; livestock farming; poverty | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954920925 | Evaluation of the efficiency of patient flow at three HIV clinics in Uganda | Wanyenze R.K., Wagner G., Alamo S., Amanyire G., Ouma J., Kwarisima D., Sunday P., Wabwire-Mangen F., Kamya M. | 2010 | AIDS Patient Care and STDs | 24 | 7 | 10.1089/apc.2009.0328 | Makerere University, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States; Reachout Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda | Wanyenze, R.K., Makerere University, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Wagner, G., RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, United States; Alamo, S., Reachout Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Amanyire, G., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Ouma, J., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Kwarisima, D., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda; Sunday, P., Reachout Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative, Kampala, Uganda; Wabwire-Mangen, F., Makerere University, School of Public Health, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda; Kamya, M., Mulago-Mbarara Teaching Hospitals' Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda, Makerere University, School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda | With dramatic increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) provision, many clinics in sub-Saharan Africa are congested, but little attention has focused on the efficiency of clinics. Between April and June 2008, we conducted a time-and-motion study to assess patient flow at three HIV clinics in Uganda. Mulago HIV Clinic had 6,700 active patients, compared with 2,700 at Mbarara Municipal Council Clinic (MMC) and 2,800 at Reachout Mbuya (ROM). Mulago had six doctors and eight nurses; MMC had two doctors and two nurses, and ROM had two doctors and 12 nurses. Mulago and MMC used a doctor-led model, whereas ROM used a nurse-led model. Randomly selected patients were tracked, with data collected on time waiting and time spent with providers. Patients were categorized as new, preparing for ART, early ART, stable ART, or non-ART. Doctors indicated whether the patients they saw warranted their consultation. Data were collected on 689 patients (230 at Mulago, 229 at MMC, and 230 at ROM). Overall waiting time was longest at ROM (274 min; 209-346) and Mulago ISS (270 min; 230-336) compared with MMC (183 min; 148-233). Nurse-clinicians at ROM spent twice the time with patients compared with the doctors at Mulago. At Mulago, doctors indicated that 27% of the patients they reviewed did not need to see a doctor, compared with 45% at MMC. Task-shifting may not be efficient in terms of time. More-effective triage and longer visit intervals could improve patient flow and capacity for cost-effective scale-up. © 2010, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2010. | None | Africa; article; clinical effectiveness; consultation; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; emergency health service; female; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; information processing; major clinical study; male; nurse; outpatient department; patient care; patient selection; physician; Uganda; virotherapy; ambulatory care; clinical practice; economics; evaluation study; health care quality; health care survey; HIV Infections; hospital management; organization and management; outpatient department; statistics and numerical data; task performance; time management; Uganda; anti human immunodeficiency virus agent; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Anti-HIV Agents; Appointments and Schedules; Efficiency, Organizational; Health Care Surveys; HIV Infections; Humans; Office Visits; Physician's Practice Patterns; Quality of Health Care; Time and Motion Studies; Time Management; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-73449090879 | Evaluation of the analgesic properties of the Datura metel seeds aqueous extract | Wannang N.N., Ndukwe H.C., Nnabuife C. | 2009 | Journal of Medicinal Plants Research | 3 | 4 | None | Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria | Wannang, N.N., Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Ndukwe, H.C., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria; Nnabuife, C., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria | This work was carried out to investigate the analgesic activity of dried seed of Datura metel Linn. A concentrated aqueous extract was obtained, mimicking conditions used in traditional treatment setting, which includes dissolving the extract in water. As in this part of the world, experiments were carried out with the aqueous extract for its peripheral and central antinociceptive potentials on acetic acid-induced writhing and radiant heat tail-flick models in rats, respectively. There was sensation of pain by the rats administered with the extract in the two test models used, after 60 min and above of pretreatment with the seed extract of D. metel. Hence, the analgesic activity of D. metel seed extract was found not to be significant (P>0.05) on acetic acid induced model, as well as the radiant heat tail-flick model. The behavioural pattern of sedation and decreased appetite on administration of seed extract could be explained on the basis of the action of some receptors like μ-receptors in the CNS, which when stimulated have the intrinsic potential to reduce the distress or the affective component of pain without having any significant change in the intensity of the actual sensation. © 2009 Academic Journals. | Analgesic; Antinociceptive; Datura metel; Seed extract | acetic acid; alkaloid derivative; anthraquinone derivative; carbohydrate derivative; cardiac glycoside; Datura metel extract; flavonoid; phlobatannin derivative; plant extract; saponin derivative; tannin derivative; unclassified drug; analgesic activity; animal experiment; animal model; antinociception; aqueous solution; article; chemical composition; controlled study; Datura; Datura metel; decreased appetite; drug isolation; drug screening; experimental model; hot plate test; nonhuman; plant seed; rat; reaction time; sedation; tail flick test; writhing test; Datura metel; Rattus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918788005 | Cost accounting curriculum related competencies and performance of accountants in south africa | Wanjau D. | 2014 | Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences | 5 | 25 | 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n25p108 | Tshwane University of Technology, Accounting Department, GaRankuwa Campus, South Africa | Wanjau, D., Tshwane University of Technology, Accounting Department, GaRankuwa Campus, South Africa | Purpose - Over the years, the context of work for accounting professionals has changed dramatically. In the present time, the accounting profession has witnessed the existence of a gap between the current and desired skills in the accounting field. The study intends to review the literature on the dynamic relationship between cost accounting curriculum content and performance of accountants in South Africa. Design– The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.Findings – It was found that studies on the competence of cost accountants are few; the existing studies are not conclusive because they found either a positive relationship, negative relation or no significant relation at all. In addition, methodological gaps and contextual gaps exist since most studies are qualitative in nature and are from developing economies while few are from South Africa. This implies that this area has not been deeply explored thus paving the way for further research. Originality/value – The paper offers a guidance on classification of competencies acquired by cost accounting graduates and identifies a knowledge gap on to which further studies can be conducted. In addition, the paper results will have practical and policy implications as far as modeling curriculum development of cost accounting education is concerned. © 2014 Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved. | Communication Competence; Information Technology Competencies; Modern Accounting Techniques; Performance of Accountants; Personal and Interpersonal Competencies; Problem solving Competence | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748526514 | The influence of catalyst layer morphology on the electrochemical performance of DMFC anode | Wang Z., Liu Y., Linkov V.M. | 2006 | Journal of Power Sources | 160 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2006.01.056 | South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Wang, Z., South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Liu, Y., South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Linkov, V.M., South Africa Institute for Advanced Material Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | The anodes with different morphology for DMFC were prepared, and the influences of the microstructure of anode catalyst layer on their electrochemical performance were investigated by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and electrochemical methods, respectively. The surface morphology of catalyst layer was observed by SEM, and the elements dispersion status and its distribution of activity intensity on electrode catalyst layer were mapped by PIXE and SECM, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anode polarization experiment were employed to analyze the electrochemical properties of anode. The results reveal that the anode with a relative smooth surface of catalyst layer and less cracks shows good interfacial properties and the lower resistance on the electrode reaction of methanol, and its maximum power of MEA as a single cell was about 178 mW cm-2 at 70 °C. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Catalyst; DMFC; EIS; SECM | Anodes; Electrochemistry; Fuel cells; Scanning electron microscopy; Spectroscopy; X ray analysis; DMFC; Electrode reaction; Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM); Catalysts | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84905002841 | Atomistic insight into orthoborate-based ionic liquids: Force field development and evaluation | Wang Y.-L., Shah F.U., Glavatskih S., Antzutkin O.N., Laaksonen A. | 2014 | Journal of Physical Chemistry B | 118 | 29 | 10.1021/jp503029d | Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden; System and Component Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10 044, Stockholm, Sweden; Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Physics, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, Coventry, United Kingdom; Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Wang, Y.-L., Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Shah, F.U., Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden; Glavatskih, S., System and Component Design, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, S-10 044, Stockholm, Sweden, Mechanical Construction and Production, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Antzutkin, O.N., Chemistry of Interfaces, Luleå University of Technology, S-971 87, Luleå, Sweden, Department of Physics, Warwick University, CV4 7AL, Coventry, United Kingdom; Laaksonen, A., Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden, Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Studies (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch University, Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | We have developed an all-atomistic force field for a new class of halogen-free chelated orthoborate-phosphonium ionic liquids. The force field is based on an AMBER framework with determination of force field parameters for phosphorus and boron atoms, as well as refinement of several available parameters. The bond and angle force constants were adjusted to fit vibration frequency data derived from both experimental measurements and ab initio calculations. The force field parameters for several dihedral angles were obtained by fitting torsion energy profiles deduced from ab initio calculations. To validate the proposed force field parameters, atomistic simulations were performed for 12 ionic liquids consisting of tetraalkylphosphonium cations and chelated orthoborate anions. The predicted densities for neat ionic liquids and the [P6,6,6,14][BOB] sample, with a water content of approximately 2.3-2.5 wt %, are in excellent agreement with available experimental data. The potential energy components of 12 ionic liquids were discussed in detail. The radial distribution functions and spatial distribution functions were analyzed and visualized to probe the microscopic ionic structures of these ionic liquids. There are mainly four high-probability regions of chelated orthoborate anions distributed around tetraalkylphosphonium cations in the first solvation shell, and such probability distribution functions are strongly influenced by the size of anions. © 2014 American Chemical Society. | None | Calculations; Chelation; Distribution functions; Oil field development; Positive ions; Probability distributions; Ab initio calculations; Atomistic simulations; Energy components; Force field development; Force field parameters; Radial distribution functions; Solvation shell; Vibration frequency; Ionic liquids | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927135099 | Exposure to cigarette smoke impacts myeloid-derived regulatory cell function and exacerbates airway hyper-responsiveness | Wang Y., Jin T.H., Farhana A., Freeman J., Estell K., Zmijewski J.W., Gaggar A., Thannickal V.J., Schwiebert L.M., Steyn A.J., Deshane J.S. | 2014 | Laboratory Investigation | 94 | 12 | 10.1038/labinvest.2014.126 | Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States; Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Durban, South Africa | Wang, Y., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States; Jin, T.H., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States; Farhana, A., Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Freeman, J., Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Estell, K., Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Zmijewski, J.W., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States; Gaggar, A., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States; Thannickal, V.J., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States; Schwiebert, L.M., Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States; Steyn, A.J., Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States, KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV, Durban, South Africa; Deshane, J.S., Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, United States | Cigarette smoking enhances oxidative stress and airway inflammation in asthma, the mechanisms of which are largely unknown. Myeloid-derived regulatory cells (MDRC) are free radical producing immature myeloid cells with immunoregulatory properties that have recently been demonstrated as critical regulators of allergic airway inflammation. NO (nitric oxide)-producing immunosuppressive MDRC suppress T-cell proliferation and airway-hyper responsiveness (AHR), while the O 2 •- (superoxide)-producing MDRC are proinflammatory. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke (CS) exposure may impact MDRC function and contribute to exacerbations in asthma. Exposure of bone marrow (BM)-derived NO-producing MDRC to CS reduced the production of NO and its metabolites and inhibited their potential to suppress T-cell proliferation. Production of immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly inhibited, while proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-and IL-33 were enhanced in CS-exposed BM-MDRC. Additionally, CS exposure increased NF-κB activation and induced BM-MDRC-mediated production of O 2 •-, via NF-κB-dependent pathway. Intratracheal transfer of smoke-exposed MDRC-producing proinflammatory cytokines increased NF-κB activation, reactive oxygen species and mucin production in vivo and exacerbated AHR in C57BL/6 mice, mice deficient in Type I IFNR and MyD88, both with reduced numbers of endogenous MDRC. Thus CS exposure modulates MDRC function and contributes to asthma exacerbation and identifies MDRC as potential targets for asthma therapy. © 2014 USCAP, Inc All rights reserved. | None | cigarette smoke; interleukin 10; interleukin 1beta; interleukin 33; interleukin 6; myeloid differentiation factor 88; reactive oxygen metabolite; tumor necrosis factor alpha; Il33 protein, mouse; immunoglobulin enhancer binding protein; interleukin 33; interleukin derivative; nitric oxide; reactive oxygen metabolite; smoke; adoptive transfer; animal cell; animal experiment; animal model; Article; bone marrow cell; cell activation; cell function; controlled study; cytokine production; disease exacerbation; lymphocyte proliferation; mouse; nonhuman; oxidative stress; priority journal; respiratory tract allergy; respiratory tract inflammation; adverse effects; animal; biosynthesis; bone marrow cell; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; C57BL mouse; cell culture; metabolism; physiology; smoke; tobacco; Adoptive Transfer; Animals; Bone Marrow Cells; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Cells, Cultured; Interleukin-33; Interleukins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myeloid Cells; NF-kappa B; Nitric Oxide; Reactive Oxygen Species; Smoke; Tobacco | AI076389, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870761341 | Projecting the Long-Term Impact of School- or Community-Based Mass-Treatment Interventions for Control of Schistosoma Infection | Wang X., Gurarie D., Mungai P.L., Muchiri E.M., Kitron U., King C.H. | 2012 | PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases | 6 | 11 | 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001903 | Department of Mathematics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Schistosomiasis Consortium for Research and Evaluation, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States | Wang, X., Department of Mathematics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Gurarie, D., Department of Mathematics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Mungai, P.L., Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Muchiri, E.M., Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Kitron, U., Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; King, C.H., Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States, Schistosomiasis Consortium for Research and Evaluation, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States | Background: Schistosomiasis remains a significant health burden in many areas of the world. Morbidity control, focused on limiting infection intensity through periodic delivery of anti-schistosomal medicines, is the thrust of current World Health Organization guidelines (2006) for reduction of Schistosoma-related disease. A new appreciation of the lifetime impact of repeated Schistosoma infection has directed attention toward strategies for greater suppression of parasite infection per se, with the goal of transmission interruption. Variations in drug schedules involving increased population coverage and/or treatment frequency are now undergoing field trials. However, their relative effectiveness in long-term infection suppression is presently unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings: Our study used available field data to calibrate advanced network models of village-level Schistosoma transmission to project outcomes of six different community- or school age-based programs, as compared to the impact of current 2006 W.H.O. recommended control strategies. We then scored the number of years each of 10 typical villages would remain below 10% infection prevalence (a practicable level associated with minimal prevalence of disease). All strategies that included four annual treatments effectively reduced community prevalence to less than 10%, while programs having yearly gaps ('holidays') failed to reach this objective in half of the communities. Effective post-program suppression of infection prevalence persisted in half of the 10 villages for 7-10 years, whereas in five high-risk villages, program effects on prevalence lasted zero to four years only. Conclusions/Significance: At typical levels of treatment adherence (60 to 70%), current WHO recommendations will likely not achieve effective suppression of Schistosoma prevalence unless implemented for ≥6 years. Following more aggressive 4 year annual intervention, some communities may be able to continue without further intervention for 8-10 years, while in higher-risk communities, annual treatment may prove necessary until eco-social factors fostering transmission are removed. Effective ongoing surveillance and locally targeted annual intervention must then become their mainstays of control. © 2012 Wang et al. | None | praziquantel; article; clinical trial (topic); health care cost; human; infection control; infection risk; mass immunization; parasite transmission; patient attitude; practice guideline; prevalence; rural population; Schistosoma hematobium; schistosomiasis; snail; validation process; world health organization; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Schistosomiasis; Schistosomicides; Treatment Outcome | 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-s2.0-49249120911 | Effects of interactions between filter parasitics and power interconnects on EMI filter performance | Wang S., Van Wyk J.D., Lee F.C. | 2007 | IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics | 54 | 6 | 10.1109/TIE.2007.906126 | Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States; Department of Electrical and Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa | Wang, S., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States; Van Wyk, J.D., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States, Department of Electrical and Engineering, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Lee, F.C., Center for Power Electronics Systems, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, United States | This paper first analyzes the electrical parameters of differential-mode (DM) and common-mode (CM) propagation on power interconnects. The impedance-transformation effects of the power interconnects are then investigated. The interactions between the parasitic parameters in electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filters and the transformed impedances by the power interconnects are explored in detail. It is found that the interactions can degrade EMI-filter performance at high frequencies. Simulations and experiments are finally carried out to verify the analysis. © 2007 IEEE. | Electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filter; Equivalent parallel capacitance (EPC); Equivalent series inductance (ESL); Impedance transformation; Power interconnects; Transmission line | Electromagnetic-interference (EMI) filter; Equivalent parallel capacitance (EPC); Equivalent series inductance; Impedance transformation; Transmission line; Electronics engineering; Industrial electronics; Electromagnetism | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897983173 | Nitrogen-rich mesoporous carbon derived from melamine with high electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction | Wang R., Zhou T., Li H., Wang H., Feng H., Goh J., Ji S. | 2014 | Journal of Power Sources | 261 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.03.057 | Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, 967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Huizhou University, Huizhou, Guangdong 516007, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Wang, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, 967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Zhou, T., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, 967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Li, H., Department of Chemical Engineering, Huizhou University, Huizhou, Guangdong 516007, China; Wang, H., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, 967 Anning East Road, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, China; Feng, H., College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Goh, J., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa | Melamine-derived N-doped mesoporous carbon (MNMC) is synthesized by the pyrolysis of lysine and melamineunder at nitrogen atmosphere using ferric chloride as a dopant and SiO2 nanoparticles as hard templates to form mesoporous architecture. The N content in the bulk of carbon materials is as high as 11.3% and ca. 40.6% of N is in the form of pyridinic-N. The surface area of MNMC is ca. 650 m2 g-1 with a pore size distribution in the range of 2.2-34.5 nm. Compared to commercial Pt/C (20 wt%), MNMC exhibits much better electrocatalytic activity, better durability, and higher methanol tolerance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium. Particularly, the onset ORR potential and half-wave ORR potential of MNMC are 1.059 and 0.871 V vs. RHE respectively, which are higher than those of commercial Pt/C. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Electrocatalyst; Mesopore; Nitrogen-rich carbon; Oxygen reduction reaction | Amino acids; Chlorination; Chlorine compounds; Electrocatalysts; Electrolytic reduction; Mesoporous materials; Nitrogen; Platinum alloys; Synthesis (chemical); Electrocatalytic activity; Electrocatalytic performance; Mesopore; Mesoporous carbon; Methanol tolerance; N-doped mesoporous carbons; Nitrogen atmospheres; Oxygen reduction reaction; Carbon | 21163018, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 21363022, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 51362027, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919662308 | Mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon derived from carp with high electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction | Wang R., Song H., Li H., Wang H., Mao X., Ji S. | 2015 | Journal of Power Sources | 278 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.12.072 | College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Huizhou University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | Wang, R., College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China; Song, H., College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China; Li, H., Department of Chemical Engineering, Huizhou University, Huizhou, Guangdong, China; Wang, H., College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China; Mao, X., College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa | In this work, a low-cost and nitrogen-containing carbon material with mesopores and high surface area is synthesized by carbonizing carp with SiO2 nanoparticles as template. It is found that pyridinic-N dominates the N species on the surface of obtained carbon material, which can act as active sites for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The BET surface area of obtained carbon material is 401.7 m2 g-1 and the pore size is ca. 11.1 nm. Due to its high pyridinic-N content and mesoporous architecture, the ORR activity of obtained carbon material in alkaline media is comparable to that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. In addition, it shows a higher methanol tolerance than Pt/C catalyst, making it a potential alternative to Pt-based catalysts. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Carp; Fuel cells; Mesoporous; Nitrogen-doped carbon; Oxygen reduction reaction | Catalysts; Doping (additives); Electrolytic reduction; Fuel cells; Mesoporous materials; Nitrogen; Oxygen; Platinum; Platinum alloys; Pore size; Synthesis (chemical); Carp; Electrocatalytic performance; Mesoporous; Methanol tolerance; Nitrogen-containing carbons; Nitrogen-doped carbons; Oxygen reduction reaction; Pt-based catalyst; Carbon | 21163018, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 21363022, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 51362027, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-41949092932 | High performance Pd-based catalysts for oxidation of formic acid | Wang R., Liao S., Ji S. | 2008 | Journal of Power Sources | 180 | 1 | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.02.027 | College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; South Africa Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Wang, R., College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; Liao, S., College of Chemistry, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; Ji, S., South Africa Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa | Two novel catalysts for anode oxidation of formic acid, Pd2Co/C and Pd4Co2Ir/C, were prepared by an organic colloid method with sodium citrate as a complexing agent. These two catalysts showed better performance towards the anodic oxidation of formic acid than Pd/C catalyst and commercial Pt/C catalyst. Compared with Pd/C catalyst, potentials of the anodic peak of formic acid at the Pd2Co/C and Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst electrodes shifted towards negative value by 140 and 50 mV, respectively, meanwhile showed higher current densities. At potential of 0.05 V (vs. SCE), the current density for Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst is as high as up to 13.7 mA cm-2, which is twice of that for Pd/C catalyst, and six times of that for commercial Pt/C catalyst. The alloy catalysts were nanostructured with a diameter of ca. 3-5 nm and well dispersed on carbon according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. The composition of alloy catalysts was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Pd4Co2Ir/C catalyst showed the highest activity and best stability making it the best potential candidate for application in a direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC). © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Electrocatalysts; Formic acid oxidation; Fuel cell; Pd-based catalysts | Current density; Electrocatalysts; Energy dispersive X ray analysis; Formic acid fuel cells (FAFC); Oxidation; Complexing agents; Organic colloid method; Sodium citrate; Formic acid | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751628863 | Effects of feeding galactomannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, serum antibody levels and intestinal microbiota in newly-weaned pigs | Wang R.-L., Hou Z.P., Wang B., Liu Z.-Q., Fatufe A.A. | 2010 | Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment | 8 | 3-4 PART 1 | None | Jiangsu Institute of Education, Nanjing 210013, China; Jiangsu Food Science College, Huaian 223003, China; Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Wang, R.-L., Jiangsu Institute of Education, Nanjing 210013, China, Jiangsu Food Science College, Huaian 223003, China; Hou, Z.P., Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Wang, B., Jiangsu Food Science College, Huaian 223003, China; Liu, Z.-Q., Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China; Fatufe, A.A., Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | One hundred and twenty newly-weaned piglets (16-19 days old; 4 pigs per pen; 6 pens per treatment) were used to investigate the effect of feeding galactomannan oligosaccharides (GMOS; from sesbania gum, containing 20% galactose and 15% mannose) on growth performance, serum antibody levels and intestinal microbiota. Five dietary treatments were: basal diet (control), medicated diet (control +110 ppm lincomycin), and three dietary inclusion levels of GMOS (control + 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.3%). The inclusion of either lincomycin or GMOS in the diet did not influence piglet performance (P>0.10), except for a better F/G (P = 0.07, linearly) for the 14-28 day piglets fed the 0.2% GMOS compared with all other treatments. No difference (P>0.05) was observed for faecal consistency score among the dietary treatments during the experiment. On day 4 post-weaning, blood serum levels of IgA (70 vs. 87 mg·dl -1 on control vs. 0.3% GMOS), IgG (285 vs. 401 mgdl' on control vs. 0.3% GMOS) and IgM (155 vs. 273 mg·dl-1 on control vs. 0.3% GMOS) increased linearly (P<0.05) with dietary GMOS level. On day 14 post-weaning, serum IgA and IgM levels were not influenced by feeding GMOS (P>0.05). Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis indicated that medicated diet with 110 ppm lincomycin significantly reduced the diversity of ileal bacteria. Inclusion of GMOS at 0.3% appeared to alter the compositions of both ileal and colonic microbiota. These results suggest that dietary GMOS is a good alternative for dietary antibiotics for the first week post-weaning pigs. | Galactomannan oligosaccharides; Gut mircoflora; Immune response; Pigs; Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis | calcium; calcium phosphate dibasic; galactomannan; galactose; immunoglobulin A; immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin M; lincomycin; mannose; methionine; oligosaccharide; phosphorus; threonine; animal experiment; animal food; antibody blood level; article; body growth; controlled study; corn; denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis; diet; feces analysis; feeding; ileum; immunoglobulin blood level; intestine flora; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; scoring system; Sesbania; soybean; swine; weaning; wheat; whey; Sesbania; Suidae | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903302088 | Synthesis and evaluation of artesunate-indoloquinoline hybrids as antimalarial drug candidates | Wang N., Wicht K.J., Shaban E., Ngoc T.A., Wang M.-Q., Hayashi I., Hossain Md.I., Takemasa Y., Kaiser M., El Tantawy El Sayed I., Egan T.J., Inokuchi T. | 2014 | MedChemComm | 5 | 7 | 10.1039/c4md00091a | Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland; Chemistry Departments, Faculty of Science, El Menoufeia University, Shebin El Koom, Egypt | Wang, N., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Wicht, K.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Shaban, E., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Ngoc, T.A., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Wang, M.-Q., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Hayashi, I., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Hossain, Md.I., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Takemasa, Y., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Kaiser, M., Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland, University Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland; El Tantawy El Sayed, I., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan, Chemistry Departments, Faculty of Science, El Menoufeia University, Shebin El Koom, Egypt; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Inokuchi, T., Division of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan | Hybrids of artesunate-indolo[2,3-b]quinoline, -indolo[3,2-c]quinoline, and -indolo[3,2-b]quinoline were synthesized and screened for their antiplasmodial activity against two different malaria strains (CQS and CQR) and their cytotoxic activities against normal cells were evaluated. All the synthesized hybrids showed a decreased cytotoxicity and increased antimalarial activity relative to the individual, non-hybridized compounds. Furthermore, these hybrids were stronger β-haematin inhibitors than the corresponding molecules from which they were derived. The most effective antimalarial hybrid showed an IC 50 value of 0.45 nM against the CQS strain. At the same time this hybrid also showed effective activity against the CQR strain, with an IC 50 value of 0.42 nM and an RI value of 0.93. With the dosing of the artesunate-indolo[2,3-b]quinoline set at 10 mg kg-1 once a day for four consecutive days, parasitemia was significantly reduced on day 4, with an antiparasitic activity of 89.6%, and a mean mouse survival time of 7.7 days. © 2014 the Partner Organisations. | None | None | AS232Z00719G, JST, Japan Science and Technology Agency; Japan Science and Technology Agency |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879891419 | Palygorskite hybridized carbon nanocomposite as a high-performance electrocatalyst support for formic acid oxidation | Wang K., Wang H., Wang R., Key J., Linkov V., Ji S. | 2013 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 66 | None | None | Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa | Wang, K., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Wang, H., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Wang, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key, J., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa; Linkov, V., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, 7535, South Africa | A nanocomposite, in which acid-treated palygorskite was hybridized with carbon, was prepared and designed as an efficient support for electrocatatlysts. Pd nanoparticles were deposited on the hybrid support as an electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation. The hybrid supports and electrocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).TEMandXRDresults showed that acid treatment had an effective impact on the morphology of palygorskite, but did not destroy its architecture. XPS results indicated that the introduction of palygorskite resulted in a negative shift of binding energy of Pd deposited on it. The electrochemical results showed that the addition of palygorskite into the carbon facilitated the formation ofOHads orOads on the surface of Pd/C-PLS, and further improved the formic acid electrooxidation activity. Therefore, considerable improvements in electrocatalytic activity toward formic acid oxidation was achieved by using this hybrid support when compared with conventional carbon support, suggesting that the introduction of SiO2-based porous palygoriskite was an excellent and cost-efficient way to improve the electrocatalytic performance of carbon support. | Composite support; Electrocatalyst; Formic acid electrooxidation; Palygorskite | None | 21163018, NSFC, National Natural Science Foundation of China; 20110490847, NSF, National Science Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84881508780 | Biomass-derived activated carbon as high-performance non-precious electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction | Wang K., Wang H., Ji S., Feng H., Linkov V., Wang R. | 2013 | RSC Advances | 3 | 30 | 10.1039/c3ra41978a | Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China | Wang, K., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Wang, H., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Feng, H., College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Linkov, V., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; Wang, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China | A new type of Fe and N doped carbon material is synthesized by pyrolyzing ferric chloride doped egg white (EW) and the proposed synthetic route is easy, green, and low-cost. In addition, the as-prepared sample exhibits a feasible magnetism and comparable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity to commercial Pt/C. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2013. | None | Activated carbon; Chlorination; Chlorine compounds; Electrocatalysts; Egg white; Ferric chloride; N-doped; Oxygen Reduction; Oxygen reduction reaction; Pyrolyzing; Synthetic routes; Electrolytic reduction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891494103 | Effects of water chemistry on structure and performance of polyamide composite membranes | Wang J., Mo Y., Mahendra S., Hoek E.M.V. | 2014 | Journal of Membrane Science | 452 | None | 10.1016/j.memsci.2013.09.022 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Wang, J., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Mo, Y., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Mahendra, S., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Hoek, E.M.V., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The effects of feed solution ionic strength, pH and divalent cation content on NF/RO membrane structure and performance were elucidated experimentally and fitted with a modified solution-diffusion transport model that describes polyamide thin film free volume through an effective pore radius and structure factor. All the membranes tested became more hydrophilic and swollen with increasing feed solution ionic strength, pH, and divalent cation concentrations. Generally, water permeabilities of all three membranes decreased with ionic strength and divalent cation content, but increased with pH. For RO membranes, neutral solute rejection decreased with pH and divalent cation content, but increased with ionic strength and the salt rejection remained independent with water chemistry except for very low pH of 3; for a NF membrane, solute rejection was more sensitive to water chemistry and neutral solute rejection decreased with ionic strength and pH, but increased with divalent cation content. The results presented herein provide new insight into the fundamental relationship between changes in NF/RO membrane structure and performance. Ultimately, these new insights may be useful in selection of already commercial or design of new NF/RO membranes for removal of chemicals of emerging concern in water treatment. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Membrane structure; Nanofiltration; Polyamide; Reverse osmosis; Water chemistry | Effective pore radius; Polyamide composite membranes; Polyamide thin films; Solution-diffusion; Structure and performance; Transport modeling; Water chemistry; Water permeability; Chemical water treatment; Composite membranes; Ionic strength; Membrane structures; Nanofiltration; Polyamides; Positive ions; Reverse osmosis; Hydrochemistry; divalent cation; polyamide; sodium chloride; water; article; chemistry; diffusion; hydrophilicity; ionic strength; membrane; membrane structure; nanofiltration; pH; priority journal; reverse osmosis; water permeability; water treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904077609 | Comparative performance of aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase rapid diagnostic tests in Plasmodium vivax detection | Wang J., Dzakah E.E., Kang K., Ni C., Tang S., Wang J. | 2014 | Malaria Journal | 13 | 1 | 10.1186/1475-2875-13-272 | School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China | Wang, J., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China; Dzakah, E.E., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China; Kang, K., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China, National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China; Ni, C., School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China; Tang, S., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China; Wang, J., National Engineering Laboratory of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co Ltd, Science City, Lizhishan Rd No 8, Luogang District, Guangzhou 510663, China | Background: Misdiagnosis of malaria by commercial rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is a major cause of concern in the diagnosis of malaria. This retrospective study was aimed at assessing the relative performance of four RDTs with emphasis on the detection of two Plasmodium vivax antigens: aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Methods. Three commercially available Plasmodium LDH or aldolase antigen detection kits (One Step Malaria P.f/P.v, ParaHit Total ver. 1.0, SD Bioline Malaria) and an anti-P. vivax aldolase-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) pair 1C3-12 F10 were evaluated with P. vivax positive as well as non-P. vivax samples and healthy samples using blood smear examination as standard. Each test was read according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results: MAb 1C3-12 F10 pair targeting P. vivax-specific aldolase exhibited very good specificity and sensitivity of 100 and 97.4%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100 and 99.5%, respectively, were also observed. The anti-P. vivax LDH in the One-Step Malaria P.f/P.v test showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 93.5, 98.0, 88.9 and 98.8%, respectively. ParaHit Total ver. 1.0 targeting the pan-aldolase antigen showed sensitivity, specificity of 97.4 and 99.6%, respectively. PPV and NPV were both 99.5%. SD Bioline had sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 93.5, 100, 100 and 98.8%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of all four RDTs were acceptable, especially for the aldolase detection tests. Five (6.5%) of the P. vivax-positive samples (n = 77) that were confirmed by microscopic examination as well as the two aldolase detection RDTs (mAb 1C3-12 F10 and ParaHit Total ver.1.0) were undetected by the two LDH detection RDTs (One Step Malaria P.f/P.v and SD Bioline). Similarly, two positive samples (2.6%) that were positively confirmed by the LDH detection RDTs were also undetected by the aldolase detection test kits. Conclusion: Aldolase and LDH antigens perform differently in different P. vivax samples; hence there is a high risk of misdiagnosis when monoclonal antibodies are used against only one particular antigen in the test. A combination of both aldolase and LDH in RDTs for the rapid diagnosis of P. vivax will enhance the sensitivity of the assay and reduce misdiagnosis. © 2014 Dzakah et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Aldolase; Antigen; Malaria; Misdiagnosis; Plasmodium vivax | fructose bisphosphate aldolase; lactate dehydrogenase; monoclonal antibody; monoclonal antibody 1C3 12 F10; unclassified drug; fructose bisphosphate aldolase; lactate dehydrogenase; monoclonal antibody; parasite antigen; protozoon antibody; antigen detection; article; blood smear; controlled study; diagnostic test accuracy study; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; malaria rapid test; microscopy; nonhuman; parasite identification; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium malariae; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium vivax malaria; predictive value; retrospective study; sensitivity and specificity; blood; comparative study; diagnostic test; diagnostic use; evaluation study; hospital information system; immunoassay; Malaria, Vivax; procedures; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Protozoan; Antigens, Protozoan; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase; Humans; Immunoassay; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Malaria, Vivax; Point-of-Care Systems; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879841426 | Surfacial carbonized palygorskite as support for high-performance Pt-based electrocatalysts | Wang H., Luo R., Liao S., Key J., Ji S., Wang R. | 2013 | Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry | 17 | 7 | 10.1007/s10008-013-2029-z | Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Guangdong Key Lab for Fuel Cell Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa | Wang, H., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Luo, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Liao, S., Guangdong Key Lab for Fuel Cell Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Key, J., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Ji, S., South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535 Cape Town, South Africa; Wang, R., Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment-Related Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China | Pt nanoparticles deposited on a low-cost, surfacial, carbonized palygorskite (Pt/C-PLS) prepared by carbonizing sucrose were evaluated as a methanol oxidation catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transfrom infrared spectrophotometry analyses revealed that carbon was formed on the surface of PLS and that free silica presented in the C-PLS support. The catalytic activity of methanol oxidation of Pt/C-PLS was higher than that of Pt/C, and the former catalyst had better CO tolerance. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. | Carbonization; Fuel cell; Methanol oxidation; Palygorskite; Pt nanoparticle | CO tolerance; Fourier; Free silicas; Infrared spectrophotometry; Methanol Oxidation; Palygorskites; Pt nanoparticles; Pt-based electrocatalyst; Carbonization; Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC); Electrocatalysts; Fuel cells; Methanol; Nanoparticles; Oxidation; Platinum; Transmission electron microscopy; Platinum alloys | 20110490847, NSF, National Science Foundation; 2012 T50587, NSF, National Science Foundation of Science and Technology |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887909448 | Genomics of elite sporting performance: What little we know and necessary advances | Wang G., Padmanabhan S., Wolfarth B., Fuku N., Lucia A., Ahmetov I.I., Cieszczyk P., Collins M., Eynon N., Klissouras V., Williams A., Pitsiladis Y. | 2013 | Advances in Genetics | 84 | None | 10.1016/B978-0-12-407703-4.00004-9 | Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Genomics for Longevity and Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan; European University and Research Institute i+12, Madrid, Spain; Sport Technology Education Research Laboratory, Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russian Federation; Department of Physical Culture and Health Promotion, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland; MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine of the Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa; Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Sport Medicine and Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Institute for Performance Research, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom; School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom; The Skeletal Muscle and Performance Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia | Wang, G., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Padmanabhan, S., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Wolfarth, B., Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; Fuku, N., Department of Genomics for Longevity and Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan; Lucia, A., European University and Research Institute i+12, Madrid, Spain; Ahmetov, I.I., Sport Technology Education Research Laboratory, Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan, Russian Federation; Cieszczyk, P., Department of Physical Culture and Health Promotion, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland; Collins, M., MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine of the Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Newlands, South Africa; Eynon, N., Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia, The Skeletal Muscle and Performance Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Klissouras, V., Department of Sport Medicine and Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Williams, A., Institute for Performance Research, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, United Kingdom; Pitsiladis, Y., Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom | Numerous reports of genetic associations with performance- and injury-related phenotypes have been published over the past three decades; these studies have employed primarily the candidate gene approach to identify genes that associate with elite performance or with variation in performance-and/or injury-related traits. Although generally with small effect sizes and heavily prone to type I statistic error, the number of candidate genetic variants that can potentially explain elite athletic status, injury predisposition, or indeed response to training will be much higher than that examined by numerous biotechnology companies. Priority should therefore be given to applying whole genome technology to sufficiently large study cohorts of world-class athletes with adequately measured phenotypes where it is possible to increase statistical power. Some of the elite athlete cohorts described in the literature might suffice, and collectively, these cohorts could be used for replication purposes. Genome-wide association studies are ongoing in some of these cohorts (i.e., Genathlete, Russian, Spanish, Japanese, United States, and Jamaican cohorts), and preliminary findings include the identification of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; among more than a million SNPs analyzed) that associates with sprint performance in Japanese, American (i.e., African American), and Jamaican cohorts with a combined effect size of ~2.6 (P-value <5×10-7) and good concordance with endurance performance between select cohorts. Further replications of these signals in independent cohorts will be required, and any replicated SNPs will be taken forward for fine-mapping/targeted resequencing and functional studies to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms. Only after this lengthy and costly process will the true potential of genetic testing in sport be determined. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | ACE/ACTN3 polymorphisms; Candidate gene association study; Complex trait; Elite performance; Genome-wide association study; Single nucleotide polymorphism | ACE protein, human; actinin; ACTN3 protein, human; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase; ACE/ACTN3 polymorphisms; article; athlete; athletic performance; candidate gene association study; Complex trait; Elite Performance; genetic association; genetic screening; genetics; human; running; single nucleotide polymorphism; ACE/ACTN3 polymorphisms; candidate gene association study; complex trait; elite performance; genome-wide association study; single nucleotide polymorphism; Actinin; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Genetic Testing; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Running | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79956319956 | Evaluation of resistance in wheat germplasm to the aphids, Sitobion avenae based on Technique for order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) TOPSIS and cluster methods | Wang C.-P., Chen Q., Luo K., Zhao H.-Y., Zhang G.-S., Tlali R. | 2011 | African Journal of Agricultural Research | 6 | 6 | None | College of Plant Protection, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Agronomy, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China; Department of Crops Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho, South Africa | Wang, C.-P., College of Plant Protection, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China, College of Agronomy, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan 471003, China; Chen, Q., College of Plant Protection, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Luo, K., College of Plant Protection, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Zhao, H.-Y., College of Plant Protection, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Zhang, G.-S., College of Plant Protection, Northwest A and F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Tlali, R., Department of Crops Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho, South Africa | Sitobion avenae is the dominant and destructive pest in wheat production regions in China. Therefore, breeders developed new and high resistant varieties to ensure stable yields. In this paper, thirteen comprehensive agronomic characteristics of twenty-two wheat germplasm resources were investigated, and the data for the resources collected in the latest two years were treated with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS method) and cluster analysis. The priority order of alternatives ranks obtained from the TOPSIS method and aphid index analysis is the same. The order of alternatives ranks is as follows: Yumai70>Amigo>186Tm>Xiaoyan22>PI>Donghan1>98-10-35>...>Datang991>Qianjinzao. It was also found that the examined 22 wheat germplasm resources could be agglomerated into four clusters. Five good germplasm, namely 186Tm, Yumai70, AMIGO, Xiaoyan22, 98-10-35, could be used directly or as parents for breeding wheat varieties for resistance to S. avenae. Furthermore, the results showed TOPSIS analysis and cluster analysis are highly consistent with each other. But TOPSIS method is the best comprehensive method for the evaluation of resistance in wheat breeding to the aphids. © 2011 Academic Journals. | Agronomic characteristic; Cluster analysis; Germplasm resources; Sitobion avenae; Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method; Wheat (Triticum aestivum) | Aphididae; Sitobion avenae; Triticum aestivum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53849091665 | Effects of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid as an additive on electrochemical performance of propylene carbonate-based electrolytes for lithium ion batteries | Wang B., Qu Q.T., Xia Q., Wu Y.P., Li X., Gan C.L., van Ree T. | 2008 | Electrochimica Acta | 54 | 2 | 10.1016/j.electacta.2008.06.070 | Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Guotai Huarong Chemical New Materials Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa | Wang, B., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Qu, Q.T., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Xia, Q., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Wu, Y.P., Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, No. 220, Handan road, Shanghai 200433, China; Li, X., Guotai Huarong Chemical New Materials Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China; Gan, C.L., Guotai Huarong Chemical New Materials Co. Ltd., Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China; van Ree, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa | The effects of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid (BA) as a new film-forming additive have been theoretically and experimentally studied for a graphite (CMS) electrode in propylene carbonate-based (PC) electrolyte for lithium ion batteries. Calculation based on the density functional theory (DFT) method suggests that the energy of the LUMO (the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) of BA is lower than that of PC, consistent with the results of cyclic voltammograms that BA is reduced before PC. SEM, FT-IR and XPS measurements show that the reduced products of BA contribute in part to the effective SEI film on the graphite electrode surface. Discharge-charge measurements indicate that the addition of BA can effectively prevent the decomposition and the co-intercalation of PC, and lithium ions can reversibly intercalate into and deintercalate from the graphite electrode. These results show that addition of BA improves the electrochemical performance of graphite in PC-based electrolyte. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid; Cycleability; Film-forming; Lithium ion batteries; Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) | Acids; Carbon; Density functional theory; Electric discharges; Electrolysis; Electrolytes; Graphite; Graphite electrodes; Ions; Lithium; Lithium alloys; Lithium compounds; Molecular orbitals; Probability density function; Propylene; 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzeneboronic acid; Cycleability; Film-forming; Lithium ion batteries; Solid electrolyte interface (SEI); Electrochemical electrodes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951683403 | Combined impact of sexual risk behaviors for HIV seroconversion among women in Durban, South Africa: Implications for prevention policy and planning | Wand H., Ramjee G. | 2011 | AIDS and Behavior | 15 | 2 | 10.1007/s10461-010-9845-2 | HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Wand, H.; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | The objective of this study was to estimate the joint impact of demographic and sexual risk behaviors on HIV acquisition. A total of 2,523 HIV seronegative women were recruited through three community based studies in Durban, South Africa. Point and interval estimates of partial population attributable risk (PAR) were used to quantify the proportion of HIV seroconversions which can be prevented if a combination of risk factors is eliminated from a target population. More than 80% of the observed HIV acquisitions were attributed to five risk factors: lack of cohabitation, frequency of sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), incidence of pregnancy and not being employed/no income. Structural factors such as minimizing migratory patterns by ensuring cohabitation of partners, access to treatment of STIs, income generation and safe sex negotiation skills are likely to play an important role in future prevention strategies. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. | HIV incidence; Population attributable risk; South Africa | adult; age; article; female; follow up; health care policy; high risk behavior; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; pregnancy; questionnaire; risk factor; sexual behavior; sexuality; sexually transmitted disease; socioeconomics; South Africa; Adult; Age Factors; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health Policy; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Incidence; Pregnancy; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Risk-Taking; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929008997 | Biological impact of recurrent sexually transmitted infections on HIV seroconversion among women in South Africa: Results from frailty models | Wand H., Ramjee G. | 2015 | Journal of the International AIDS Society | 18 | 1 | 10.7448/IAS.18.1.19866 | Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia; HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Wand, H., Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia; Ramjee, G., HIV Prevention Unit, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa | Introduction: Understanding the impact of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on HIV transmissibility is essential for effective HIV prevention programs. Investigating the impact of longitudinally measured recurrent STIs on HIV seroconversion is the interest of the current paper. Methods: In this prospective study, data from a total of 1456 HIV-negative women who enrolled in a HIV biomedical trial were used. It was hypothesized that women who had recurrent STI diagnoses during the study share a common biological heterogeneity which cannot be quantified. To incorporate this "unobserved" correlation in the analysis, times to HIV seroconversion were jointly modelled with repeated STI diagnoses using Cox regression with random effects. Results and discussion: A total of 110 HIV seroconversions were observed (incidence rate of 6.00 per 100 person-years). In a multivariable model, women who were diagnosed at least once were more likely to seroconvert compared to those who had no STI diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 2.57]; women who had recurrent STI diagnoses during the study were 2.5 times more likely to be at increased risk of HIV infection (95% CI: 1.35, 4.01) with an estimated frailty variance of 1.52, with p >0.001, indicating strong evidence that there is a significant correlation (heterogeneity) among women who had recurrent STIs. In addition to this, factors associated with incidence of STIs, namely not being married and having a new sexual partner during the study follow-up, were all significantly associated with increased risk for HIV seroconversion (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.76, 5.01 and HR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.63, 3.83 respectively). Conclusions: The results indicated that women who were at risk for STIs were also at risk of HIV infection. In fact, they share the similar risk factors. In addition to this, repeated STI diagnoses also increased women's susceptibility for HIV infection significantly. Decreasing STIs by increasing uptake of testing and treatment and reducing partner change plays a significant role in the trajectory of the epidemic. © 2015 Wand H and Ramjee G; licensee International AIDS Society. | HIV incidence; Joint modelling; Recurrent sexually transmitted infections; South Africa | adult; Article; controlled study; female; follow up; genital tract infection; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; incidence; infection risk; major clinical study; priority journal; prospective study; seroconversion; sexually transmitted disease; South Africa; unprotected sex | 18057, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-71149095909 | Periodontal status, tooth loss and self-reported periodontal problems effects on oral impacts on daily performances, OIDP, in pregnant women in Uganda: A cross-sectional study | Wandera M.N., Engebretsen I.M., Rwenyonyi C.M., Tumwine J., Åstrøm A.N. | 2009 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 7 | None | 10.1186/1477-7525-7-89 | Institute of Clinical Odontology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Dentistry, Makerere University, Uganda; Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda | Wandera, M.N., Institute of Clinical Odontology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway, Department of Dentistry, Makerere University, Uganda, Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway; Engebretsen, I.M., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway; Rwenyonyi, C.M., Department of Dentistry, Makerere University, Uganda; Tumwine, J., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Åstrøm, A.N., Institute of Clinical Odontology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway, Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway | Background: An important aim of antenatal care is to improve maternal health- and well being of which oral health is an important part. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) during pregnancy, using a locally adapted OIDP inventory, and to document how periodontal status, tooth-loss and reported periodontal problems are related to oral impacts. Methods: Pregnant women at about 7 months gestational age who were members of a community based multi-center cluster randomized community trial: PROMISE EBF: Safety and Efficacy of Exclusive Breast feeding in the Era of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, were recruited in the district of Mbale, Eastern Uganda between January 2006 and June 2008. A total of 877 women (participation rate 877/886, 98%, mean age 25.6, sd 6.4) completed an interview and 713 (participation rate 713/886, 80.6%, mean age 25.5 sd 6.6) were examined clinically with respect to tooth-loss and according to the Community Periodontal Index, CPI. Results: Seven of the original 8 OIDP items were translated into the local language. Cronbach's alpha was 0.85 and 0.80 in urban and rural areas, respectively. The prevalence of oral impacts was 25% in the urban and 30% in the rural area. Corresponding estimates for CPI>0 were 63% and 68%. Adjusted ORs for having any oral impact were 1.1 (95% CI 0.7-1.7), 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-3.1), 1.7 (1.1-2.7) and 2.0 (0.9-4.4) if having respectively, CPI>0, at least one tooth lost, tooth loss in molars and tooth loss in molar-and anterior regions. The Adjusted ORs for any oral impact if reporting periodontal problems ranged from 2.7(95% CI 1.8-4.2) (bad breath) through 8.6(95% CI 5.6-12.9) (chewing problem) to 22.3 (95% CI 13.3-35.9) (toothache). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of pregnant women experienced oral impacts. The OIDP impacts were most and least substantial regarding functional- and social concerns, respectively. The OIDP varied systematically with tooth loss in the molar region, reported chewing-and periodontal problems. Pregnant women's oral health should be addressed through antenatal care programs in societies with limited access to regular dental care facilities. © 2009 Wandera et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; breast feeding education; clinical trial; community care; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cross-sectional study; dental care; female; gestational age; halitosis; health program; human; interview; major clinical study; mastication; molar tooth; multicenter study; oral impacts on daily performances; periodontal disease; periodontics; pregnant woman; prenatal care; prevalence; rural area; scoring system; self report; tooth pain; Uganda; urban area | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924415779 | The Impact of Information and Communication Technology Adoption and Diffusion on Technology Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries: The Case of Kenya | Wamuyu P.K. | 2015 | Information Technology for Development | 21 | 2 | 10.1080/02681102.2014.948372 | School of Science and Technology, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya | Wamuyu, P.K., School of Science and Technology, United States International University-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya | ICT-based enterprises (ICT-BEs) are businesses that produce ICT products, provide ICT processing technologies, or offer ICT support services. Most ICT-BEs grow in particular niche fields of ICT use by offering services that are well tailored to meet the needs of a specific target market. This however is usually short lived, as alternative technologies are developed each day and availed globally within a few months, while the rate of adoption and diffusion of technology is dependent on other factors other than the ICT itself. In most cases technology diffusion is rather slow and uneven at first, but accelerates rapidly once a critical mass of individuals has adopted the technology. This raises the question of how ICT-BEs can cushion themselves against sudden and unpredictable ICT trends, which may lead to existing customers abandoning a technology for any new alternative technology. The study examines the impact of rapid ICT trends on ICT entrepreneurship in the liberalized and globalized Kenyan ICT market. The study is based on qualitative data, collected through four descriptive case studies selected from micro and small enterprises offering ICT solutions. Findings reveal that rapid changes in ICT trends and early adopters' switching behavior negatively affect the survival of an ICT-BE, while customer satisfaction and entrepreneurial creativity positively influence the survival and success of an ICT-BE. The study provides practitioners, budding ICT entrepreneurs, and policy-makers with essential lessons on how ICT trends affect the growth and survival of ICT-BEs and how to mitigate these negative effects and therefore remain in business. © 2014, © 2014 Commonwealth Secretariat. | case studies; exploratory; ICT adoption; ICT diffusion; ICT dynamism; ICT entrepreneurship; ICT trends; ICT-based enterprises; interpretive; micro and small enterprises; qualitative; service quality | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856182920 | Instrumented drop weight impact on cotton, cotton/flax and cotton/glass composites | Wambua P., Anandjiwala R. | 2011 | International Review of Mechanical Engineering | 5 | 3 | None | Moi University, Department of Manufacturing, Industrial and Textile Engineering, P.O Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya; CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Wambua, P., Moi University, Department of Manufacturing, Industrial and Textile Engineering, P.O Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya; Anandjiwala, R., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, P.O Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa, Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | This paper investigates the low velocity impact response of cotton, flax/cotton and glass/cotton hybrid composites. The composites were prepared by compression moulding and cut to dimensions specified by the Boeing impact test specification. All the specimens were impacted at 17, 26, 44, 62 and 77J energy levels on an Instron dynatup 9250HV drop weight impact tower by a hemispherical impactor head. Impulse software was used in data acquisition and analysis of results. The cotton and flax/cotton composites mainly failed through cracking, tensile fracture and delamination, while glass/cotton hybrid composites failed by deflecting and delamination. The glass/cotton composites were not penetrated and did not fracture even at high impact energy levels. © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved. | Composites; Cotton; Flax; Glass; Hybrid; Instrumented drop weight | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887213587 | Evaluation of the Xpert® MTB/Rif test, microscopic observation drug susceptibility test and nitrate reductase assay, for rapid and accurate diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis in HIV patients | Walusimbi S., Bwanga F., Costa A.D., Haile M., Hoffner S., Joloba M. | 2013 | International Journal of Mycobacteriology | 2 | 3 | 10.1016/j.ijmyco.2013.06.001 | Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Diagnostics and Vaccinology, Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Solna, Sweden; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden | Walusimbi, S., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Bwanga, F., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Costa, A.D., Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Haile, M., Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Diagnostics and Vaccinology, Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Solna, Sweden; Hoffner, S., Department of Diagnostics and Vaccinology, Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control, Solna, Sweden, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Joloba, M., Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda | Diagnosis of smear-negative tuberculosis (TB), which is frequently seen in HIV-infected patients, is a challenge without conventional culture methods. Since 2007, the WHO (World Health Organization) has endorsed new or improved tests for increased and rapid diagnosis of TB. This study was undertaken in an effort to evaluate the accuracy of two rapid culture methods: the Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility assay (MODS) and Nitrate Reductase Assay (NRA), and the molecular based test Xpert® MTB/Rif (Xpert), for diagnosis of smear-negative TB in HIV patients using the mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) in the BACTECTM MGITTM 960 system as the reference test. 430 smear-negative patients with presumptive TB were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care facility in Uganda. Their sputum was tested on MODS, NRA, Xpert and MGIT. Of the 430 patients, 373 had complete results to compute test accuracy. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was detected in 43 patients by MGIT. The sensitivity and specificity were 24.4% and 98.1% for MODS, 41.5% and 92% for NRA, 48.8% and 95.1% for Xpert, respectively. The low sensitivity of the tests implies that additional diagnostics such as chest X-ray and conventional liquid culture methods might still be needed to detect TB in smear-negative HIV patients. The high specificity of the tests is useful to confirm TB in HIV patients with symptoms suggestive of TB. © 2013 Asian-African Society for Mycobacteriology. | HIV and TB; MGIT; MODS; NRA; Smear negative TB; Xpert | nitrate reductase; adult; aged; antibiotic sensitivity; article; bacterium culture; clinical evaluation; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; cross-sectional study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay; microscopy; molecular diagnosis; nonhuman; observational study; predictive value; priority journal; sensitivity and specificity; sputum analysis; thorax radiography; tuberculosis; Uganda; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956994445 | Is the bus transport contracting system in South Africa leading to trusting relationships between contracted parties? An analysis of funding issues and the impact on relations between government and operators | Walters J. | 2010 | Research in Transportation Economics | 29 | 1 | 10.1016/j.retrec.2010.07.046 | Institute of Transport and Logistics Management (Africa), Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Walters, J., Institute of Transport and Logistics Management (Africa), Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | The 1996 South African White Paper on National Transport policy provided the guidelines for the restructuring of the commuter bus industry. The restructuring objectives were based on improving the competitiveness of and service levels within the industry through a competitive tendering regime, the selective implementation of negotiated contracts and the general transformation of the industry to also include improved transparency in the funding arrangements between government and operators.In order to set the context of the paper, a brief overview is provided of the progress made with policy implementation and the background to funding issues that are experienced in the bus transport sector. To gauge the impact of the funding issues on the relationship between government and operators, a survey of the largest contracted operators was undertaken to determine, amongst other, how these funding issues have potentially impacted on trusting relationships between contracted parties. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. | Funding issues; Trusting partnerships | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33746454751 | Impact of land use on vegetation composition, diversity, and selected soil properties of wetlands in the southern Drakensberg mountains, South Africa | Walters D.J.J., Kotze D.C., O'Connor T.G. | 2006 | Wetlands Ecology and Management | 14 | 4 | 10.1007/s11273-005-4990-5 | Mondi Wetlands Project, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, WWF-South Africa, P.O. Box 493, Merrivale 3291, South Africa; Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits, 2050, South Africa | Walters, D.J.J., Mondi Wetlands Project, Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, WWF-South Africa, P.O. Box 493, Merrivale 3291, South Africa; Kotze, D.C., Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa; O'Connor, T.G., Centre for African Ecology, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, P.O. Wits, 2050, South Africa | Wetlands provide the ecosystem services of enhancing water quality, attenuating floods, sequestrating carbon and supporting biodiversity. In southern Africa, the pattern and intensity of land use is influenced by whether land tenure is public (state), private (individual ownership), or communal (shared agricultural and grazing resources). The influence of land tenure and its associated use on service provision was compared for communal tenure (grazing, maize production), wildlife conservation, and commercial agriculture (grazing, planted pastures) in the southern Drakensberg. Ordination analyses revealed that oxbow marshes, hill slope seepages and hygrophilous grasslands, the main hydro-geomorphic units, supported distinct plant communities that differed in their response to land use because of wetness or slope. Oxbows, uncultivated because of wetness, were inherently species poor with few exotics. Composition of hill slope seepages, uncultivated because of saturated slopes, varied among tenure types most likely in relation to grazing pressure. Seepages were threatened by the exotic invasive Rubus cuneifolius. Eighty-five percent of hygrophilous grassland had been cultivated by 1953, most of which was subsequently abandoned to secondary grassland. Primary hygrophilous grassland and hill slope seepages were the main repository for indigenous plant diversity, while communal maize fields supported a diverse mixture of mainly exotic species. Soil carbon concentrations decreased from oxbows to pastures, seepages, primary hygrophilous grassland, secondary grassland, and maize on former grassland (7.0, 4.1, 4.0, 3.5, 2.4, and 1.7%, respectively). The pattern for total soil nitrogen and sulphur were the same. Cultivation of hygrophilous grassland was estimated to have reduced soil carbon stocks to 69% of pre-settlement levels by 1953 (∼150 years BP). Stocks then increased by 8% to 2001 following crop abandonment. Cultivation has impaired water quality enhancement and flood attenuation because of greater amounts of bare ground and shorter vegetation. Further improvement of ecosystem services will depend on the influence of socio-economic factors on communal cropping. © Springer 2006. | Carbon; Communal; Cultivation; DCA; Invasives; Oxbows; Plant diversity; South Africa | community composition; grazing pressure; land use; ordination; plant community; soil carbon; soil nitrogen; soil property; vegetation; wetland; Africa; Drakensberg; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Rubus cuneifolius; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879099534 | Evaluation of impact of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and point-of-use water filters on HIV-1 disease progression in Kenya | Walson J.L., Sangaré L.R., Singa B.O., Naulikha J.M., Piper B.K.S., Yuhas K., Onchiri F.M., Otieno P.A., Mermin J., Zeh C., Richardson B.A., John-Stewart G. | 2013 | AIDS | 27 | 9 | 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32835ecba9 | Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Seattle, WA, United States | Walson, J.L., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Sangaré, L.R., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States; Singa, B.O., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Naulikha, J.M., Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Piper, B.K.S., Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Yuhas, K., Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Onchiri, F.M., Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Otieno, P.A., Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya; Mermin, J., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Zeh, C., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; Richardson, B.A., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States, Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Seattle, WA, United States; John-Stewart, G., Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, United States, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States | Objectives: Among HIV-1-infected individuals in Africa, coinfection with malaria and diarrhoeal disease may be associated with more rapid HIV-1 disease progression. We sought to determine whether the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and simple point-of-use water filters can delay HIV-1 disease progression. Design: A prospective cohort study. Setting: Two HIV care sites in Kenya. Participants: HIV-1-infected adults not yet meeting criteria for antiretroviral therapy. Interventions: One group received the standard of care, whereas the other received long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and water filters. Individuals were followed for up to 24 months. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measures were time to CD4 cell count less than 350 cells/μl and a composite endpoint of time to CD4 cell count less than 350 cells/|μl and nontraumatic death. Time to disease progression was compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Of 589 individuals included, 361 received the intervention and 228 served as controls. Median baseline CD4 cell counts were similar (P= 0.36). After controlling for baseline CD4 cell count, individuals receiving the intervention were 27% less likely to reach the endpoint of a CD4 cell count less than 350 cells/μl (hazard ratio 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.57-0.95). CD4 cell count decline was also significantly less in the intervention group (-54 vs. - 70 cells/|μl per year, P=0.03). In addition, the incidence of malaria and diarrhoea were significantly lower in the intervention group. Conclusion: Provision of a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net and water filter was associated with a delay in CD4 cell count decline and may be a simple, practical and cost-effective strategy to delay HIV-1 progression in many resource-limited settings. © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. | Bed nets; Coinfection; Diarrhoeal disease; HIV; Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets; Malaria; Water filters | insecticide; water; adult; article; bed net; CD4 lymphocyte count; clinical evaluation; cohort analysis; controlled study; death; diarrhea; disease course; female; filter; health care quality; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; incidence; Kenya; major clinical study; malaria; male; mixed infection; priority journal; proportional hazards model; prospective study; randomized controlled trial; treatment outcome; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diarrhea; Disease Progression; Female; Filtration; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Kenya; Malaria; Male; Prospective Studies; Regression Analysis; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors; Viral Load; Water; Water Purification | P30 AI027757, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33644843882 | Growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene and performance and post-race rectal temperature during the South African Ironman triathlon | Walpole B., Noakes T.D., Collins M. | 2006 | British Journal of Sports Medicine | 40 | 2 | 10.1136/bjsm.2005.020669 | Medical Research Council of South Africa, Newlands, South Africa; UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Walpole, B., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Noakes, T.D., UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Collins, M., Medical Research Council of South Africa, Newlands, South Africa, Medical Research Council of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa | Background: Some studies have suggested that the insertion allele of the ACE gene is associated with endurance performance, including the Ironman triathlon. It is possible that this association is due to genetic linkage between the ACE I/D locus and the T/A variant in intron 4 of the neighbouring GH1 gene. The A variant is associated with lower levels of growth hormone production. Growth hormone has multiple effects, especially on metabolism during exercise and recovery from exercise. Its production during exercise has also been shown to stimulate sweat rate and heat loss. Objective: To determine whether the GH1 gene is associated with the performance and/or post-race rectal temperatures of competitors in the South African Ironman triathlon. Methods: A total of 169 of the fastest finishing white male triathletes who completed the 2000 and/or 2001 South African Ironman triathlon and 155 control subjects were genotyped for the T/A variant in the GH1 gene. Post-race rectal temperature was also determined in 103 of these triathletes. Results: There was no significant difference in the frequency of this polymorphism in the GH1 gene when the fastest finishing triathletes were compared with the control subjects. Post-race rectal temperatures were, however, significantly higher in those triathletes with an AA genotype (mean (SD) 37.7 (0.8) °C) compared with those with a TT genotype (37.2 (0.8) °C) (p = 0.019). Conclusions: The T/A polymorphism in intron 4 of the GH1 gene was not associated with performance of the fastest finishers of the South African Ironman triathlon. Post-race rectal temperatures were, however, significantly higher in the fastest finishing athletes, who were homozygous for a GH1 genotype associated with lower growth hormone production. | None | dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase; DNA; growth hormone; adult; age; article; athlete; body mass; Caucasian; controlled study; DNA polymorphism; endurance; gene; gene frequency; gene insertion; genotype; GH1 gene; growth hormone release; human; male; normal human; physical performance; polymerase chain reaction; rectum temperature; South Africa; triathlon; Adult; Alleles; Bicycling; Body Temperature Regulation; DNA; Growth Hormone; Humans; Male; Physical Endurance; Running; South Africa; Sports; Swimming | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883225342 | Ensuring quality in AFRINEST and SATT: Clinical standardization and monitoring | Wall S.N., Mazzeo C.I., Adejuyigbe E.A., Ayede A.I., Bahl R., Baqui A.H., Blackwelder W.C., Brandes N., Darmstadt G.L., Esamai F., Hibberd P.L., Jacobs M., Klein J.O., Mwinga K., Rollins N.C., Saloojee H., Tshefu A.K., Wammanda R.D., Zaidi A.K.M., Qazi S. | 2013 | Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal | 32 | 9 SUPPL. | 10.1097/INF.0b013e31829ff801 | Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, 2000 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Health Promotion Cluster, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Congo; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; University of Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Congo; Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan | Wall, S.N., Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, 2000 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Mazzeo, C.I., Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children, 2000 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States; Adejuyigbe, E.A., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Ayede, A.I., Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Bahl, R., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Baqui, A.H., Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; Blackwelder, W.C., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; Brandes, N., United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States; Darmstadt, G.L., Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, United States; Esamai, F., Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Hibberd, P.L., Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Jacobs, M., University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Klein, J.O., Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Mwinga, K., Health Promotion Cluster, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Congo; Rollins, N.C., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Saloojee, H., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tshefu, A.K., University of Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Congo; Wammanda, R.D., Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria; Zaidi, A.K.M., Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; Qazi, S.A., Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland | BACKGROUND:: Three randomized open-label clinical trials [Simplified Antibiotic Therapy Trial (SATT) Bangladesh, SATT Pakistan and African Neonatal Sepsis Trial (AFRINEST)] were developed to test the equivalence of simplified antibiotic regimens compared with the standard regimen of 7 days of parenteral antibiotics. These trials were originally conceived and designed separately; subsequently, significant efforts were made to develop and implement a common protocol and approach. Previous articles in this supplement briefly describe the specific quality control methods used in the individual trials; this article presents additional information about the systematic approaches used to minimize threats to validity and ensure quality across the trials. METHODS:: A critical component of quality control for AFRINEST and SATT was striving to eliminate variation in clinical assessments and decisions regarding eligibility, enrollment and treatment outcomes. Ensuring appropriate and consistent clinical judgment was accomplished through standardized approaches applied across the trials, including training, assessment of clinical skills and refresher training. Standardized monitoring procedures were also applied across the trials, including routine (day-to-day) internal monitoring of performance and adherence to protocols, systematic external monitoring by funding agencies and external monitoring by experienced, independent trial monitors. A group of independent experts (Technical Steering Committee/Technical Advisory Group) provided regular monitoring and technical oversight for the trials. CONCLUSIONS:: Harmonization of AFRINEST and SATT have helped to ensure consistency and quality of implementation, both internally and across the trials as a whole, thereby minimizing potential threats to the validity of the trials' results. Copyright © 2013 by World Health Organization. | Community-based research; Quality assurance; Trial monitoring | antibiotic agent; advisory committee; apparent life threatening event; article; Bangladesh; clinical assessment; clinical protocol; data base; ethical decision making; funding; human; information processing; internal validity; medical education; monitoring; patient safety; priority journal; protocol compliance; quality control; randomized controlled trial (topic); refresher course; standardization; strategic planning; treatment outcome | World Health Organization |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-15544372783 | Evaluation of an oligonucleotide ligation assay for detection of mutations in HIV-1 subtype C individuals who have high level resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors | Wallis C.L., Mahomed I., Morris L., Chidarikire T., Stevens G., Rekhviashvili N., Stevens W. | 2005 | Journal of Virological Methods | 125 | 2 | 10.1016/j.jviromet.2005.01.004 | Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Univ. of the Witwatersrand Med. Sch., South Africa; National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa | Wallis, C.L., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Univ. of the Witwatersrand Med. Sch., South Africa; Mahomed, I., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Univ. of the Witwatersrand Med. Sch., South Africa; Morris, L., National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Chidarikire, T., National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Stevens, G., National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Rekhviashvili, N., National Health Laboratory Services, South Africa; Stevens, W., Dept. of Molec. Med. and Haematology, School of Pathology, Univ. of the Witwatersrand Med. Sch., South Africa | The oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) has been proposed as an affordable alternative to sequence-based HIV-1 drug resistance testing in resource poor settings. The aim was to evaluate OLA for detecting mutations K103N, Y181C, K65R, Q151M, M184V and T215Y/F in subtype C. Forty-four subtype C and 8 subtype B HIV-1 positive individuals were analysed using the ViroSeq™ HIV-1 genotyping assay (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). A one-step RT-PCR and nested PCR were performed using subtype B specific primers from the OLA kit (NIH AIDS Research and Reference Reagent Program). Seventy-eight subtype C sequences were used to design subtype C specific primers. Ligation and detection steps were followed according to OLA kit protocol. For codons, K103N, Y181C, K65R, Q151M, M184V and T215Y/F, four or more mismatches compared to the probe or mismatches less than four bases from the ligation site were not tolerated. Results revealed accurate identification of mutations in 2/10, 4/9 3/9, 6/7, 2/7 and 6/7 VQA samples and 5/20, 4/17 0/20, 18/24, 5/24 and 13/24 subtype C positive individuals, respectively. It was concluded that the probes and primers in the NIH reference kit would need modification to optimize detection of mutations in subtype C individuals. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Drug resistance; HIV-1; OLA; Subtype C | RNA directed DNA polymerase inhibitor; article; codon; genotype; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; nonhuman; oligonucleotide ligation assay; polymerase chain reaction; priority journal; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; serotype; virus mutation; Anti-HIV Agents; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Viral; HIV-1; Humans; Molecular Biology; Mutation; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; Oligonucleotide Probes; Oligonucleotides; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856399864 | Effects of form of leftover khat (Catha edulis) on feed intake, digestion, and growth performance of Hararghe Highland goats | Wallie M., Mekasha Y., Urge M., Abebe G., Goetsch A.L. | 2012 | Small Ruminant Research | 102 | 1 | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.07.014 | East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK, United States | Wallie, M., East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, Haramaya University, School of Animal and Range Sciences, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Mekasha, Y., East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Urge, M., East Gojjam Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; Abebe, G., Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Goetsch, A.L., American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK, United States | Khat (Catha edulis) is a lucrative cash crop in many African countries and other areas of the world. Leftover khat can be used as a feedstuff for ruminants, although seasonal production limits the extent of utilization. Practical methods of feed conservation to preserve nutritional value would be beneficial. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate effects of feeding different forms of leftover khat on intake, digestion, and growth performance of a tropically adapted indigenous goat genotype of eastern Ethiopia. Twenty-four (six per treatment) individually housed Hararghe Highland yearling male goats with an initial body weight of 18. ±. 0.4. kg were used in an on-station experiment, and 32 similar yearlings with an initial body weight of 19. ±. 0.4. kg were employed under on-farm conditions. The on-farm experiment occurred at two villages, with four farmer groups (two farmers per group co-managing animals) per village. Four animals in each farmer group were subjected to each of the four different treatments. Experiments were 90 days in length, with inclusion of a subsequent 10-day period on-station to determine digestibility. Khat in fresh, dry, and silage forms was fed at 1.5% body weight (dry matter; DM), whereas control animals did not receive khat. Animals on-station consumed grass hay ad libitum and those on-farm grazed/browsed surrounding areas. Grass hay DM intake on-station was greater (P<. 0.05) without than with khat (528, 358, 387, and 368. g/day; SE = 20.3), although total DM intake was increased by feeding khat regardless of form (528, 649, 622, and 639. g/day for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively; SE = 22.9). Digestibility of organic matter was increased (P<. 0.05) by feeding each form of khat (62.3%, 75.7%, 75.2%, and 72.4% for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively; SE = 1.63). Nitrogen balance was increased by fresh and ensiled khat (P<. 0.05) (-0.54, 2.07, 0.80, and 0.86. g/day for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively). Average daily gain (ADG) was increased by khat regardless of form on-station (13, 49, 33, and 39. g; SE = 4.6), and on-farm ADG was less for control than for fresh and dry forms (P<. 0.05) (32, 56, 47, and 42. g for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively SE. =. 2.0). The ratio of ADG:DM intake on-station was lower for control than for fresh (P<. 0.05) and silage (P<. 0.05) (26, 76, 54, and 61. g/kg for control, fresh, dry, and silage, respectively; SE. =. 7.6). In conclusion, feeding leftover khat to Highland goats consuming low to moderate quality forage-based diets can increase growth performance. Khat can be preserved for use as a feedstuff throughout the year by drying or ensiling without marked effect on performance. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.. | Catha edulis; Goat; Khat; Supplementation | Animalia; Bovidae; Capra hircus; Catha edulis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-54449101622 | Global decomposition experiment shows soil animal impacts on decomposition are climate-dependent | Wall D.H., Bradford M.A., St. John M.G., Trofymow J.A., Behan-Pelletier V., Bignell D.E., Dangerfield J.M., Parton W.J., Rusek J., Voigt W., Wolters V., Gardel H.Z., Ayuke F.O., Bashford R., Beljakova O.I., Bohlen P.J., Brauman A., Flemming S., Henschel J | 2008 | Global Change Biology | 14 | 11 | 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2008.01672.x | Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States; Landcare Research, PO Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand; Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, BC V8Z 1M5, Canada; Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada; Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom; Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Institute of Soil Biology, Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Institute of Ecology, University of Jena, Jena 07743, Germany; Department of Animal Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; Kenya Methodist University, Kaaga Campus, Meru, Kenya; Department of Forest Entomology, Forestry Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia; Centralno-Chernozemnyj Reserve, Zapovednoe, Russian Federation; MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center, Lake Placid, FL 33852, United States; Laboratoire MOST Centre IRD, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UR SeqBio, Montpellier, France; Gros Morne National Park, Rocky Harbour, NL A0K 4N0, Canada; Gobabeb Training and Research Centre, Box 953, Walvis Bay, Namibia; Department of Geography, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3US, United Kingdom; Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences, Pruhonice 252 43, Czech Republic; B.C. Ministry of Forests, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0, Canada; Inuvik Research Centre, Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0, Canada; Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP 182, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation; Centro Universitário do Leste de Minas Gerais, Coronel Fabriciano 35170-056, Brazil; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute, CIAT, ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya; Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, DC, Colombia; Institute of Biology, Federal University of Uberlândia, CP 593, 38400-902 Uberlândia, Brazil; Department of Forest Resources, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2B5, Canada; Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China; Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00931-1910, Puerto Rico | Wall, D.H., Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Bradford, M.A., Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States; St. John, M.G., Landcare Research, PO Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand; Trofymow, J.A., Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre, Victoria, BC V8Z 1M5, Canada; Behan-Pelletier, V., Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada; Bignell, D.E., Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom; Dangerfield, J.M., Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Parton, W.J., Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Rusek, J., Institute of Soil Biology, Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic; Voigt, W., Institute of Ecology, University of Jena, Jena 07743, Germany; Wolters, V., Department of Animal Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; Gardel, H.Z., Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Ayuke, F.O., Kenya Methodist University, Kaaga Campus, Meru, Kenya; Bashford, R., Department of Forest Entomology, Forestry Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia; Beljakova, O.I., Centralno-Chernozemnyj Reserve, Zapovednoe, Russian Federation; Bohlen, P.J., MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center, Lake Placid, FL 33852, United States; Brauman, A., Laboratoire MOST Centre IRD, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UR SeqBio, Montpellier, France; Flemming, S., Gros Morne National Park, Rocky Harbour, NL A0K 4N0, Canada; Henschel, J.R., Gobabeb Training and Research Centre, Box 953, Walvis Bay, Namibia; Johnson, D.L., Department of Geography, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada; Jones, T.H., Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3US, United Kingdom; Kovarova, M., Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences, Pruhonice 252 43, Czech Republic; Kranabetter, J.M., B.C. Ministry of Forests, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0, Canada; Kutny, L., Inuvik Research Centre, Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0, Canada; Lin, K.-C., Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Maryati, M., Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia; Masse, D., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP 182, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso; Pokarzhevskii, A., Institute of Ecology and Evolution, RAS, Moscow 119071, Russian Federation; Rahman, H., Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia; Sabará, M.G., Centro Universitário do Leste de Minas Gerais, Coronel Fabriciano 35170-056, Brazil; Salamon, J.-A., Department of Animal Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; Swift, M.J., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute, CIAT, ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya; Varela, A., Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, DC, Colombia; Vasconcelos, H.L., Institute of Biology, Federal University of Uberlândia, CP 593, 38400-902 Uberlândia, Brazil; White, D., Department of Forest Resources, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2B5, Canada; Zou, X., Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China, Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00931-1910, Puerto Rico | Climate and litter quality are primary drivers of terrestrial decomposition and, based on evidence from multisite experiments at regional and global scales, are universally factored into global decomposition models. In contrast, soil animals are considered key regulators of decomposition at local scales but their role at larger scales is unresolved. Soil animals are consequently excluded from global models of organic mineralization processes. Incomplete assessment of the roles of soil animals stems from the difficulties of manipulating invertebrate animals experimentally across large geographic gradients. This is compounded by deficient or inconsistent taxonomy. We report a global decomposition experiment to assess the importance of soil animals in C mineralization, in which a common grass litter substrate was exposed to natural decomposition in either control or reduced animal treatments across 30 sites distributed from 43°S to 68°N on six continents. Animals in the mesofaunal size range were recovered from the litter by Tullgren extraction and identified to common specifications, mostly at the ordinal level. The design of the trials enabled faunal contribution to be evaluated against abiotic parameters between sites. Soil animals increase decomposition rates in temperate and wet tropical climates, but have neutral effects where temperature or moisture constrain biological activity. Our findings highlight that faunal influences on decomposition are dependent on prevailing climatic conditions. We conclude that (1) inclusion of soil animals will improve the predictive capabilities of region- or biome-scale decomposition models, (2) soil animal influences on decomposition are important at the regional scale when attempting to predict global change scenarios, and (3) the statistical relationship between decomposition rates and climate, at the global scale, is robust against changes in soil faunal abundance and diversity. © 2008 The Authors Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing. | Climate decomposition index; Decomposition; Litter; Mesofauna; Soil biodiversity; Soil carbon; Soil fauna | biodiversity; decomposition; grass; leaf litter; mineralization; soil carbon; soil organic matter; Animalia; Invertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904400786 | Evaluation of economic costs of a measles outbreak and outbreak response activities in Keffa Zone, Ethiopia | Wallace A.S., Masresha B.G., Grant G., Goodson J.L., Birhane H., Abraham M., Endailalu T.B., Letamo Y., Petu A., Vijayaraghavan M. | 2014 | Vaccine | 32 | 35 | 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.06.035 | Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E05, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, Regional Office for Africa, World Health Organization, Congo; General Policy, Planning and Finance Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Operations Research Directorate, Regional Ministry of Health, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region, Awasa, Ethiopia | Wallace, A.S., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E05, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Masresha, B.G., Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, Regional Office for Africa, World Health Organization, Congo; Grant, G., Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Goodson, J.L., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E05, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States; Birhane, H., General Policy, Planning and Finance Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abraham, M., Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, World Health Organization, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Endailalu, T.B., General Policy, Planning and Finance Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Letamo, Y., Operations Research Directorate, Regional Ministry of Health, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region, Awasa, Ethiopia; Petu, A., Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, Regional Office for Africa, World Health Organization, Congo; Vijayaraghavan, M., Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E05, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States | Objective: To estimate the economic impact of a measles outbreak and response activities that occurred in Keffa Zone, Ethiopia with 5257 reported cases during October 1, 2011-April 8, 2012, using the health sector and household perspectives. Methods: We collected cost input data through interviews and record reviews with government and partner agency staff and through a survey of 100 measles cases-patients and their caretakers. We used cost input data to estimate the financial and opportunity costs of the following outbreak and response activities: investigation, treatment, case management, active surveillance, immunization campaigns, and immunization system strengthening. Findings: The economic cost of the outbreak and response was 758,869 United States dollars (US$), including the opportunity cost of US$327,545 (US$62.31/case) and financial cost of US$431,324 (US$82.05/case). Health sector costs, including the immunization campaign (US$72.29/case), accounted for 80% of the economic cost. Household economic cost was US$29.18/case, equal to 6% of the household median annual income. 92% of financial costs were covered by partner agencies. Conclusion: The economic cost of the measles outbreak was substantial when compared to household income and health sector expenditures. Improvement in two-dose measles vaccination coverage above 95% would both reduce measles incidence and save considerable outbreak-associated costs to both the health sector and households. © 2014. | Economic; Measles; Outbreak | cotrimoxazole; measles vaccine; oral rehydration solution; retinol; tetracycline; adolescent; article; case management; controlled study; disease surveillance; economic evaluation; epidemic; Ethiopia; financial management; government; health care; health care cost; health care facility; household; human; income; interview; major clinical study; measles; measles vaccination; medical record review; medical staff; multicenter study; oral rehydration therapy; priority journal; United States; child; economics; epidemic; female; health care cost; infant; infection control; male; measles; newborn; preschool child; procedures; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Communicable Disease Control; Disease Outbreaks; Ethiopia; Female; Health Care Costs; Health Expenditures; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Measles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84961330983 | Evaluation of a point-of-care blood test for identification of ebola virus disease at ebola holding units, western area, Sierra Leone, January to February 2015 | Walker N.F., Brown C.S., Youkee D., Baker P., Williams N., Kalawa A., Russell K., Samba A.F., Bentley N., Koroma F., King M.B., Parker B.E., Thompson M., Boyles T., Healey B., Kargbo B., Bash-Taqi D., Simpson A.J., Kamara A., Kamara T.B., Lado M., Johnson | 2015 | Eurosurveillance | 20 | 12 | None | King’s Sierra Leone Partnership, King’s Centre for Global Health, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Clinical Infectious Diseases Research Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom; College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Public Health England, Salisbury, United Kingdom; Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone; Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Ca |