| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912023130 | Performance improvement by scheduling techniques: A case of leather industry development institute | Habib A., Jilcha K., Berhan E. | 2015 | Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing | 334 | None | 10.1007/978-3-319-13572-4_21 | Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Habib, A., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Jilcha, K., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Berhan, E., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | The model leather products manufacturing factory of leather industry development institute (LIDI) suffers from poor performances due to various problems. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to improve the performance of the case company using scheduling techniques. Proper scheduling technique can result in dramatic improvements in layout, utilization, idle time, make span and tardiness reduction. The existing company performance and various another scenarios were analyzed by using different sequencing rules plus Johnson’s and Campbell’s algorithms. The analysis and discussion showed that the feasible scheduling was of flow shop and while product layout was seen most preferable that result in reduction of machine idle time & make span by 3.00 & 4.33 hours respectively. Total flow time was reduced by 82.9% and machine utilization was improved by 16.15% when compared with existing layout. Through production lines 1 or 2 of scenario-2 with the sequence of J1, J2, J3, J4 and J5, the company should make possible arrangements for such improvements. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. | Leather industry; Make-span; Manufacturing; Performance; Scheduling | Leather; Manufacture; Company performance; Leather industries; Machine utilization; Make-span; Manufacturing factories; Performance; Poor performance; Scheduling techniques; Scheduling | None |
| WoS | WOS:000343734600001 | Learning from developing countries in strengthening health systems: an evaluation of personal and professional impact among global health volunteers at Addis Ababa University's Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (Ethiopia) | Aboneh, Ephrem A.,Busse, Heidi,Tefera, Girma | 2014 | GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH | 10 | None | 10.1186/s12992-014-0064-x | Addis Ababa University, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Wisconsin System | "Aboneh, Ephrem A.: Addis Ababa University","Busse, Heidi: University of Wisconsin Madison","Busse, Heidi: University of Wisconsin System","Tefera, Girma: University of Wisconsin Madison","Tefera, Girma: University of Wisconsin System" | Background: The positive impact of global health activities by volunteers from the United States in low-and middle-income countries has been recognized. Most existing global health partnerships evaluate what knowledge, ideas, and activities the US institution transferred to the low-or middle-income country. However, what this fails to capture are what kinds of change happen to US-based partners due to engagement in global health partnerships, both at the individual and institutional levels. "Reverse innovation" is the term that is used in global health literature to describe this type of impact. The objectives of this study were to identify what kinds of impact global partnerships have on health volunteers from developed countries, advance this emerging body of knowledge, and improve understanding of methods and indicators for assessing reverse innovation.
Methods: The study population consisted of 80 US, Canada, and South Africa-based health care professionals who volunteered at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia. Surveys were web-based and included multiple choice and open-ended questions to assess global health competencies. The data were analyzed using IBRM SPSS (R) version 21 for quantitative analysis; the open-ended responses were coded using constant comparative analysis to identify themes.
Results: Of the 80 volunteers, 63 responded (79 percent response rate). Fifty-two percent of the respondents were male, and over 60 percent were 40 years of age and older. Eighty-three percent reported they accomplished their trip objectives, 95 percent would participate in future activities and 96 percent would recommend participation to other colleagues. Eighty-nine percent reported personal impact and 73 percent reported change on their professional development. Previous global health experience, multiple prior trips, and the desire for career advancement were associated with positive impact on professional development.
Conclusion: Professionally and personally meaningful learning happens often during global health outreach. Understanding this impact has important policy, economic, and programmatic implications. With the aid of improved monitoring and evaluation frameworks, the simple act of attempting to measure "reverse innovation" may represent a shift in how global health partnerships are perceived, drawing attention to the two-way learning and benefits that occur and improving effectiveness in global health partnership spending. | Africa,COLLABORATION,"global health","Health systems partnership","reverse innovation","Twinning partnership",PARTNERSHIPS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748902038 | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000344612400016 | An Evaluation of Community Perspectives and Contributing Factors to Missed Children During an Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign - Katsina State, Nigeria | Achari, Panchanan,Ashenafi, Samra,Biya, Oladayo,Bwaka, Ado,Corkum, Melissa,Mackay, Susan,Mahoney, Frank,Michael, Charles A.,Newberry, David,Nguku, Patrick,Ogbuanu, Ikechukwu U.,Ohuabunwo, Chima,OPV Campaign Missed Children Study,Storms, Aaron D.,Sule, Ada | 2014 | JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 210 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jiu288 | African Field Epidemiol Network AFENET, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, United Nations Children Fund UNICEF, US Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, WHO | None | Background. Unvaccinated children contribute to accumulation of susceptible persons and the continued transmission of wild poliovirus in Nigeria. In September 2012, the Expert Review Committee (ERC) on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization in Nigeria recommended that social research be conducted to better understand why children are missed during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), also known as "immunization plus days (IPDs)" in Nigeria.
Methods.aEuro integral Immediately following the SIA in October 2012, polio eradication partners and the government of Nigeria conducted a study to assess why children are missed. We used semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions in 1 rural and 1 urban local government area (LGA) of Katsina State.
Results.aEuro integral Participants reported that 61% of the children were not vaccinated because of poor vaccination team performance: either the teams did not visit the homes (25%) or the children were reported absent and not revisited (36%). This lack of access to vaccine was more frequently reported by respondents from scattered/nomadic communities (85%). In 1 out of 4 respondents (25%), refusal was the main reason their child was not vaccinated. The majority of respondents reported they would have consented to their children being vaccinated if the vaccine had been offered.
Conclusions.aEuro integral Poor vaccination team performance is a major contributor to missed children during IPD campaigns. Addressing such operational deficiencies will help close the polio immunity gap and eradicate polio from Nigeria. | "missed children",non-compliance,OPV,"ORAL POLIO VACCINE","vaccine coverage" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901443859 | Social Impact Assessment: The lesser sibling in the South African EIA process? | Hildebrandt L., Sandham L.A. | 2014 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 48 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2014.04.003 | African Centre for Disaster Studies, Research Focus Area: Social Transformation, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Hildebrandt, L., African Centre for Disaster Studies, Research Focus Area: Social Transformation, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Sandham, L.A., Environmental Assessment Research Group, School of Geo and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa | Social Impact Assessment has developed as an integral but neglected component of EIA in South Africa since it became mandatory in 1997, and has therefore been referred to as the "orphan" or "lesser sibling" of EIA, as has SIA in the UK and the US. The aim of this paper is to test this claim by reviewing the quality of a sample of SIA reports, and also to establish whether there has been any improvement in quality following the introduction of revised EIA regulations in 2006. The results confirm that SIA can be called "the lesser sibling" due to the weak grades achieved in the quality review, but also reveal that there has been a slight and consistent improvement in quality, most likely driven by best practice considerations in the absence of prescriptive regulations for SIA. Suggestions and recommendations for addressing observed weakness in SIA performance are advanced. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Effectiveness; EIA; Lesser sibling; Report quality review; Social impact assessment; South africa | Environmental impact assessments; Planning; Effectiveness; EIA; Lesser sibling; Quality reviews; Social impact assessments; South Africa; Economic and social effects; best management practice; environmental impact assessment; literature review; performance assessment; social change; South Africa; United Kingdom; United States | None |
| WoS | WOS:000208106500007 | The cost and impact of male circumcision on HIV/AIDS in Botswana | Bollinger, Lori A.,Busang, Lesego,Fidzani, Boga,Moeti, Themba,Musuka, Godfrey,Stover, John | 2009 | JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY | 12 | None | 10.1186/1758-2652-12-7 | African Comprehens HIV AIDS Partnership, Futures Inst, Natl AIDS Coordinating Agcy | None | The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be a major issue facing Botswana, with overall adult HIV prevalence estimated to be 25.7 percent in 2007. This paper estimates the cost and impact of the draft Ministry of Health male circumcision strategy using the UNAIDS/WHO Decision-Makers' Programme Planning Tool (DMPPT). Demographic data and HIV prevalence estimates from the recent National AIDS Coordinating Agency estimations are used as input to the DMPPT to estimate the impact of scaling-up male circumcision on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These data are supplemented by programmatic information from the draft Botswana National Strategy for Safe Male Circumcision, including information on unit cost and program goals. Alternative scenarios were developed in consultation with stakeholders. Results suggest that scaling-up adult and neonatal circumcision to reach 80% coverage by 2012 would result in averting almost 70,000 new HIV infections through 2025, at a total net cost of US$47 million across that same period. This results in an average cost per HIV infection averted of US$689. Changing the target year to 2015 and the scale-up pattern to a linear pattern results in a more evenly-distributed number of MCs required, and averts approximately 60,000 new HIV infections through 2025. Other scenarios explored include the effect of risk compensation and the impact of increasing coverage of general prevention interventions. Scaling-up safe male circumcision has the potential to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in Botswana significantly; program design elements such as feasible patterns of scale-up and inclusion of counselling are important in evaluating the overall success of the program. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-60949700706 | The impact of translation activities on the development of African languages in a multilingual society: Duramazwi reMimhanzi as a case-study | Mheta G. | 2005 | Lexikos | 15 | None | None | African Languages Research Institute, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe | Mheta, G., African Languages Research Institute, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe | The article examines the impact of translation activities on the development of African languages in the multilingual Zimbabwean society. It analyses Shona musical terms created through translation processes and strategies such as borrowing, coining, compounding and derivation. Focus is on the way this ongoing term-creation is contributing to improving or hindering the development of Shona. The importance of such processes and strategies are discussed in the broader context of empowering African languages. The article also offers recommendations on how best to produce systematized terminology in music and other specialized fields. | Borrowing; Coining; Compounding; Derivation; Development of African languages; Multilingual societies; Terminography; Terminology; Translation | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000263321100001 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lome (Togo) | Beguy, Donatien | 2009 | DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | None | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar ( Senegal) and Lome ( Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lome, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | ,MODELS,"WOMENS EMPLOYMENT",WORK | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919644294 | Examining the impact of age on literacy achievement among grade 6 primary school pupils in Kenya | Hungi N., Ngware M., Abuya B. | 2014 | International Journal of Educational Development | 39 | None | 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2014.06.003 | African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya | Hungi, N., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya; Ngware, M., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya; Abuya, B., African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Kenya | The main objective of this paper is to investigate the optimal age category at which primary school pupils from low income families perform their best in literacy at grade 6 level. Age is a potential learning barrier because of its link to cognitive development as well as its influence on interactions between pupils within classrooms. The sample consisted of 7041 grade 6 pupils, spread in 226 schools across six major urban slums in Kenya. Using descriptive statistics, we examine the distribution of grade 6 pupils' age. We then examine incidences of over-age pupils and incidences of grade repetition across various subgroups of pupils disaggregated by factors such as sex, wealth background, grade repetition, school type and geographical location. Finally, using multilevel techniques, we estimate the pupil age category that has greatest positive impact on literacy achievement at grade 6 after controlling selected pupil and school factors.Irrespective of pupil sex, grade repetition, wealth background, school type or geographical location the results indicate that grade 6 pupils perform their best in literacy when they are in the age category ranging from 10 years 6 months to 11 years 5 months. The results also indicate that, in general, younger pupils were likely to achieve better than older pupil in literacy regardless of the background under consideration. Implications of the findings for policy and practice as well as further research are outlined. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Grade repetition; Kenya education; Literacy achievement; Over-age pupils; Pupil age; Underage pupils | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-65949110577 | The impact of female employment on fertility in Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togó) | Beguy D. | 2009 | Demographic Research | 20 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2009.20.7 | African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | Beguy, D., African Population and Health Research Center, Shelter Afrique Center, Longonot Road, Upper Hill, 00100 - GPO Nairobi, Kenya | This paper investigates the impact of female employment on fertility in two urban contexts in sub-Saharan Africa: Dakar (Senegal) and Lomé (Togo). The hypothesis that wage employment and maternal obligations are incompatible seems to be corroborated in Lomé, where women are likely to consider work as a legitimate alternative to their role as a mother or spouse. Being involved in economic activity is a real option and can therefore impact upon their reproductive life. By contrast, in Dakar working does not seem to hinder family formation. Greater involvement of women in the labour force is not the main reason for fertility decline in Dakar. These findings illustrate how important it is to consider social gender-specific roles in order to accurately determine the influence of female employment on reproductive life. | None | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000287817800001 | Parental control and monitoring of young people's sexual behaviour in rural North-Western Tanzania: Implications for sexual and reproductive health interventions | Fenwick, Angela,Stones, William,Urassa, Mark,Wamoyi, Joyce,Zaba, Basia | 2011 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-106 | Aga Khan University, University of London, University of Southampton, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | "Fenwick, Angela: University of Southampton", | Background: Parenting through control and monitoring has been found to have an effect on young people's sexual behaviour. There is a dearth of literature from sub-Saharan Africa on this subject. This paper examines parental control and monitoring and the implications of this on young people's sexual decision making in a rural setting in North-Western Tanzania.
Methods: This study employed an ethnographic research design. Data collection involved 17 focus group discussions and 46 in-depth interviews conducted with young people aged 14-24 years and parents/carers of young people within this age-group. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVIVO 7 software.
Results: Parents were motivated to control and monitor their children's behaviour for reasons such as social respectability and protecting them from undesirable sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. Parental control and monitoring varied by family structure, gender, schooling status, a young person's contribution to the economic running of the family and previous experience of a SRH outcome such as unplanned pregnancy. Children from single parent families reported that they received less control compared to those from both parent families. While a father's presence in the family seemed important in controlling the activities of young people, a mother's did not have a similar effect. Girls especially those still schooling received more supervision compared to boys. Young women who had already had unplanned pregnancy were not supervised as closely as those who hadn't. Parents employed various techniques to control and monitor their children's sexual activities.
Conclusions: Despite parents making efforts to control and monitor their young people's sexual behaviour, they are faced with several challenges (e. g. little time spent with their children) which make it difficult for them to effectively monitor them. There is a need for interventions such as parenting skills building that might enable parents to improve their relationships with children. This would equip parents with the appropriate skills for positive guidance and monitoring of their children and avoid inappropriate parenting behaviour. As much as parents focus their attention on their school going daughters, there is a need to also remember the out-of-school young people as they are also vulnerable to adverse SRH outcomes. | ,ADOLESCENCE,AFRICAN-AMERICAN,DESIGN,FAMILY,HIV,MOTHERS,"RISK BEHAVIORS" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84945410130 | Diabetes: knowledge, psychosocial impact, and attitude of patients | Achigbu E.O., Oputa R.N., Achigbu K.I., Ahuche I.U. | 2015 | International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries | 35 | None | 10.1007/s13410-015-0368-2 | Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | Achigbu, E.O., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Oputa, R.N., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Achigbu, K.I., Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; Ahuche, I.U., Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria | The scourge of diabetes has been increasing worldwide with a tendency to double, from 176 to 370 million people by 2030 according to WHO prediction. In Nigeria, only 20 % of the 3.2 million estimated to have diabetes are aware of it. Among those already diagnosed, about 50 % have poor glycaemic control attributable to poor diabetes self-management despite effective medication. Diabetes self-management in addition to medical therapy, lifestyle modification and education are key to the management of diabetes. This study aims to determine the knowledge, psychosocial impact and attitude of people with diabetes to diabetes with a view to make recommendations for a more encompassing patient-based management of diabetes. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire in the endocrinology clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, interviewed 104 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with diabetes who willingly consented to the study. One hundred and four patients with an equal male to female ratio were interviewed. The 41–60-year (78.8 %) age group and traders (66.3 %) constituted the greatest number. Majority (58.7 %) heard of diabetes prior to their diagnosis, but many (41.3 %) did not. This knowledge was significantly associated with occupation (0.022). Many (84.6 %) were willing to disclose diagnosis to family and friends as well as join a support group (61.5 %). But, the major reason for this inclination was wrong. Many never heard of diabetes prior to their diagnosis. In spite of being aware, a diagnosis of diabetes is associated with different emotional responses and attitudes including willingness to disclose their diagnosis and get support. Appropriate treatment based on current medical knowledge, self-management education and development of diabetic support groups is recommended. © 2015, Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India. | Attitude; Diabetes; Knowledge; Psychology | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868483815 | Evaluation of NASA satellite and modelled temperature data for simulating maize water requirement satisfaction index in the Free State Province of South Africa | Moeletsi M.E., Walker S. | 2012 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2012.08.012 | Agricultural Research Council, Institute for Soil, Climate and Water, Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Moeletsi, M.E., Agricultural Research Council, Institute for Soil, Climate and Water, Private Bag X79, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa; Walker, S., Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa | Low density of weather stations and high percentages of missing values of the archived climate data in most places around the world makes it difficult for decision-makers to make meaningful conclusions in natural resource management. In this study, the use of NASA modelled and satellite-derived data was compared with measured minimum and maximum temperatures at selected climate stations in the Free State Province of South Africa. The NASA temperature data-fed Hargreaves evapotranspiration estimate was compared with the Penman-Monteith estimate to obtain regional coefficients for the Free State. The maize water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI) obtained using the NASA temperature data and calibrated Hargreaves equation was evaluated against the WRSI obtained using Penman-Monteith estimate. The data used is mostly from 1999 to 2008. The results of the comparison between measured minimum temperatures and NASA minimum temperatures show overestimation of the NASA values by between a monthly mean of 1.4°C and 4.1°C. NASA maximum temperatures seem to underestimate measured temperatures by monthly values ranging from 2.2 to 3.8°C. NASA-fed Hargreaves equation in its original form underestimates Penman-Monteith evapotranspiration by between 20% and 40% and hence its coefficient was calibrated accordingly. The comparison of the maize WRSI simulated with NASA temperatures showed a good correlation and small deviations from WRSI calculated from measured data. Thus, the use of NASA satellite and modelled data is recommended in the Free State Province in places where there are no meteorological readings, with special consideration of the biasness of the data. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Evapotranspiration; Hargreaves; Maize; Minimum and maximum temperatures; WRSI | Climate data; Climate stations; Decision makers; Free state; Good correlations; Hargreaves; Hargreaves equations; Low density; Maize; Maximum temperature; Missing values; NASA satellite; Natural resource management; Penman-Monteith; South Africa; Temperature data; Water requirements; Weather stations; WRSI; Estimation; Evapotranspiration; NASA; Natural resources management; Satellites; Water supply; Information management; computer simulation; evapotranspiration; maize; resource management; satellite data; temperature effect; Free State; South Africa; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871394974 | Characterization and evaluation of South African sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) LAM) land races | Laurie S.M., Calitz F.J., Adebola P.O., Lezar A. | 2013 | South African Journal of Botany | 85 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2012.11.004 | Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Agricultural Research Council, Biometry Unit, PO Box 8783, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | Laurie, S.M., Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Calitz, F.J., Agricultural Research Council, Biometry Unit, PO Box 8783, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Adebola, P.O., Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; Lezar, A., Agricultural Research Council, Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Inst., Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa | A total of 57 sweet potato accessions, consisting of 51 South African land races and six local cultivars, were subjected to characterization in a glass house and in follow-up field experiments. The accessions were morphologically characterized using the Bioversity International descriptors and, in addition, screened for drought and heat tolerance. Significant differences were observed for the following drought-heat screening parameters: number of days to severe wilting and number of severely wilted plants. A number of land races showed tolerance to both drought and heat, namely A3026, A3027, A2316 and A46. The multivariate cluster analysis and principal component analysis divided the 57 accessions into three groups consisting of 17, 21 and 19 accessions, respectively. The commercial varieties were all allocated to group 3, except the old cultivar Mafutha, which was in group 1. The most important characters for distinction of the accessions were leaf outline, leaf lobe type, leaf lobe number, and shape of the central leaf lobe. The study provided comprehensive information concerning locally available sweet potato germplasm and is of vital importance for advancement in the sweet potato improvement program in South Africa. The information will also be useful to SASHA (a regional network for sweet potato breeding), ensuring wider utilization of these germplasms within Sub-Saharan Africa. © 2012. | Drought screening; Morphological traits; Multivariate cluster analysis; Sweet potato | cluster analysis; cultivar; germplasm; morphology; principal component analysis; root vegetable; tolerance; South Africa; Ipomoea batatas | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920913660 | Isolation of α-linolenic acid biohydrogenation products by combined silver ion solid phase extraction and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography | Turner T.D., Meadus W.J., Mapiye C., Vahmani P., López-Campos Ó., Duff P., Rolland D.C., Church J.S., Dugan M.E.R. | 2015 | Journal of Chromatography B: Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences | 980 | None | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.11.038 | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada; Thompson Rivers University, 900 McGill Road, Kamloops, BC, Canada; Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, P. Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Livestock Gentec, 1400 College Plaza 8215 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada | Turner, T.D., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada, Thompson Rivers University, 900 McGill Road, Kamloops, BC, Canada; Meadus, W.J., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada; Mapiye, C., Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, P. Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Vahmani, P., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada; López-Campos, Ó., Livestock Gentec, 1400 College Plaza 8215 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Duff, P., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada; Rolland, D.C., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada; Church, J.S., Thompson Rivers University, 900 McGill Road, Kamloops, BC, Canada; Dugan, M.E.R., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre, 6000 C and E Trail, Lacombe, AB, Canada | Polyunsaturated fatty acids typically found in cattle feed include linoleic (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA). In the rumen, microbes metabolize these resulting in the formation of biohydrogenation products (BHP), which can be incorporated into meat and milk. Bioactivities of LA-BHP, including conjugated linoleic acid (cis (c) 9,trans (t) 11-18:2 and t10,c12-18:2) and trans fatty acid isomers (t9-, t10- and t11-18:1) have been investigated, but effects of several BHP unique to ALA have not been extensively studied, and most ALA-BHP are not commercially available. The objective of the present research was to develop methods to purify and collect ALA-BHP using silver ion (Ag+) chromatography in sufficient quantities to allow for convenient bioactivity testing in cell culture. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were prepared from perirenal adipose tissue from a cow enriched with ALA-BHP by feeding flaxseed. These were applied to Ag+-solid phase extraction, and eluted with hexane with increasing quantities of acetone (1, 2, 10, 20%) or acetonitrile (2%) to pre-fractionate FAME based on degree of unsaturation and double bond configuration. Fractions were collected, concentrated and applied to semi-preparative Ag+-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the isolation and collection of purified isomers, which was accomplished using isocratic elutions with hexane containing differing amounts of acetonitrile (from 0.015 to 0.075%). Purified trans-18:1 isomers collected ranged in purity from 88 to 99%. Purity of the ALA-BHP dienes collected, including c9,t13-18:2, t11,c15-18:2 and t10,c15-18:2, exceeded 90%, while purification of other dienes may require the use of other complementary procedures (e.g. reverse phase HPLC). © 2014. | Ag+-HPLC; Ag+-SPE; Biohydrogenation; α-Linolenic acid | Acetone; Acetonitrile; Bioactivity; Cell culture; Chromatography; Extraction; Hexane; High performance liquid chromatography; Isomers; Linoleic acid; Liquid chromatography; Liquids; Metal ions; Olefins; Phase separation; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Purification; Alpha linolenic acids; Biohydrogenation; Conjugated linoleic acid; Degree of unsaturations; Fatty acid methyl ester; Linolenic acids; Semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatographies; Solid-phase extraction; Fatty acids; acetone; acetonitrile; conjugated linoleic acid; fatty acid ester; hexane; linolenic acid; silver; trans fatty acid; linolenic acid; adipose tissue; animal cell; animal tissue; Article; biological activity; concentration (parameters); controlled study; cow; fractionation; high performance liquid chromatography; hydrogenation; isomer; linseed; nonhuman; priority journal; solid phase extraction; high performance liquid chromatography; isolation and purification; procedures; solid phase extraction; Bos; alpha-Linolenic Acid; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; Solid Phase Extraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81855175823 | Evaluation of the thermochemical properties for tropospheric ozone reactions | Igbafe A.I., Omhenke S.A. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 1 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.1.39 | Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Igbafe, A.I., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Omhenke, S.A., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The thermochemical properties of varieties of species involved in the formation and consumption or destruction of tropospheric ozone during chemical reactions have been established. Ozone in the troposphere is produced during the day-time; hence it is a photochemically induced transformation process. This compound acts as precursor specie in many atmospheric transformations and constitutes a baseline component worth investigating. This study utilized electronic structure methods of computational model chemistries to evaluate for Gibbs free energies and enthalpies of formation and reactions of the various species. Ten prominent gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions were analysed using five computational approaches consisting of four ab initio methods and one density functional theory (DFT) method. The computed energy values in comparison to those obtained through experimental approaches yielded an error of mean absolute deviation of 0.81%. The most relevant species that tend to enhance the production of ozone in the troposphere were O* and H2O2 for the gas-phase and aqueous-phase reactions respectively. Chemical equilibrium analysis indicated that the ozone formation and consumption reactions are more favourable in colder regions and at winter. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Chemical reaction equilibrium; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone | Ab initio method; Atmospheric transformation; Chemical equilibriums; Chemical reaction equilibrium; Computational approach; Computational model; Density functional theory methods; Energy value; Enthalpies of formation; Experimental approaches; Gasphase; Mean absolute deviations; Ozone formation; Thermochemical properties; Transformation process; Tropospheric ozone; Chemical reactions; Computational methods; Density functional theory; Electronic structure; Troposphere; Ozone | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869988258 | Thermochemical evaluation of hydroxyl and peroxyl radical precursors in the formation of tropospheric ozone reactions | Igbafe A.I., Umukoro S.E. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 3 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.3.74 | Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | Igbafe, A.I., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria; Umukoro, S.E., Air Pollution Climatology and Energy Research Unit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria | The thermochemical properties of varieties of species needed to assess the most prominent pathways of tropospheric ozone transformation have been established. In the troposphere, ozone which is a secondary pollution produced by photochemical induced transformation, acts as an oxidizing agent to numerous atmospheric reactions leading to the formation of particulate matter. Based on the climate related problems resulting from the precursor of particulate matter, it is adequate to establish the feasible routes of ozone formation. In this study, the electronic structure methods which approximate the Schrödinger equation to compute Gibbs free energies and enthalpies of formation of the various chemical species participating in the reactions were used. These thermodynamic properties were determined using four computational model chemistry methods integrated in the Gaussian 03 (G03) chemistry package. Five known reaction pathways for the formation of NO2 (the O3 precursor specie), as well as the dominant ozone formation route from NO 2 were examined and their energies determined. Of all the computational methods, the complete basis set (CBS-4M) method produced energies for all species of the five reaction routes. Out of the five routes, only the reactions involving radical species were favoured to completion over a temperature range of -100 and +100°C. The most relevant reaction route for the formation of NO2 and subsequently O3 is that involving the peroxyl acetyl nitrate (PAN) and hydroxyl radicals. Chemical equilibrium analyses of the reaction routes also indicated that reduction in temperature encourages NO2 formation while increase in temperature favours O 3 production. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Chemical equilibrium; Nitrogen dioxide; Peroxyl acetyl nitrate; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone | Atmospheric reactions; Chemical equilibriums; Chemical species; Complete basis sets; Computational model; Dinger equation; Enthalpies of formation; Gaussians; Hydroxyl radicals; Nitrogen dioxides; Oxidizing agents; Ozone formation; Particulate Matter; Peroxyl radical; Radical species; Reaction pathways; Reaction routes; Relevant reactions; Secondary pollution; Temperature range; Thermochemical properties; Tropospheric ozone; Computational methods; Electronic structure; Nitrogen oxides; Ozone; Photochemical reactions; Troposphere; Air pollution | None |
| WoS | WOS:000320019700006 | Exploring impacts of multi-year, community-based care programs for orphans and vulnerable children: A case study from Kenya | Brooks, Mohamad,Bryant, Malcolm,Larson, Bruce A.,Masila, Juliana,Rohr, Julia,Wambua, Nancy,Wangai, Susan | 2013 | AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV | 25 | None | 10.1080/09540121.2012.729807 | Boston University, Benevolent Inst Dev Initiat, Christian Aid | "Brooks, Mohamad: Boston University","Bryant, Malcolm: Boston University","Rohr, Julia: Boston University", | The Community-Based Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CBCO) program operated in Kenya during 2006-2010. In Eastern Province, the program provided support to approximately 3000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living in 1500 households. A primary focus of the program was to support savings and loan associations composed of OVC caregivers (typically elderly women) to improve household and OVC welfare. Cross-sectional data were collected in 2011 from 1500 randomly selected households from 3 populations: program participants (CBCO group, n=500), households in the same villages as program participants but not in the program (the local-community-group = Group L, n=300), and households living in nearby villages where the program did not operate (the adjacent-community-group, Group A, n=700). Primary welfare outcomes evaluated are household food security, as measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access instrument, and OVC educational attainment. We compared outcomes between the CBCO and the subset of Group L not meeting program eligibility criteria (L-N) to investigate disparities within local communities. We compared outcomes between the CBCO group and the subset of Group A meeting eligibility criteria (A-E) to consider program impact. We compared outcomes between households not eligible for the program in the local and adjacent community groups (L-N and A-N) to consider if the adjacent communities are similar to the local communities. In May-June 2011, at the end of the OVC program, the majority of CBCO households continued to be severely food insecure, with rates similar to other households living in nearby communities. Participation rates in primary school are high, reflecting free primary education. Among the 18-22 year olds who were children during the program years, relatively few children completed secondary school across all study groups. Although the CBCO program likely provided useful services and benefits to program participants, disparities continued to exist in food security and educational outcomes between program participants and their non-OVC peers in the local community. Outcomes for CBCO households were similar to those observed for OVC households in adjacent communities. | "educational attainment","FOOD SECURITY","orphans and vulnerable children","village savings and loan associations" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862826827 | Comparative evaluation of environmental contamination and DNA damage induced by electronic-waste in Nigeria and China | Alabi O.A., Bakare A.A., Xu X., Li B., Zhang Y., Huo X. | 2012 | Science of the Total Environment | 423 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.01.056 | Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan-remo, Ogun State, Nigeria; Cell Biology and Ge | Alabi, O.A., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China, Biosciences and Biotechnology Department, Babcock University, Ilisan-remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Bakare, A.A., Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Xu, X., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Li, B., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Zhang, Y., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Huo, X., Analytic Cytology Laboratory, The Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China | In the last decade, China and Nigeria have been prime destinations for the world's e-waste disposal leading to serious environmental contamination. We carried out a comparative study of the level of contamination using soils and plants from e-waste dumping and processing sites in both countries. Levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analyzed using gas chromatography/spectrophotometry and heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. DNA damage was assayed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using an alkaline comet assay. Soils and plants were highly contaminated with toxic PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and heavy metals in both countries. Soil samples from China and plant samples from Nigeria were more contaminated. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of organics and heavy metals in plant samples and the surrounding soils. In human lymphocytes, all tested samples induced significant (p < 0.05) concentration-dependent increases in DNA damage compared with the negative control. These findings suggest that e-waste components/constituents can accumulate, in soil and surrounding vegetation, to toxic and genotoxic levels that could induce adverse health effects in exposed individuals. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Comet assay; DNA damage; Electronic waste; Heavy metals; Organic contaminants | Adverse health effects; Alkaline comet assay; Atomic absorption spectrophotometry; Comet assays; Comparative evaluations; Comparative studies; Concentration-dependent; DNA damage; DNA damages; e-Waste; Electronic waste; Environmental contamination; Genotoxic; Human lymphocytes; Human peripheral blood; Negative control; Nigeria; Organic contaminant; Organics; Plant samples; Polyaromatic hydrocarbons; Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs); Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs); Positive correlations; Soil sample; Surrounding soils; Contamination; DNA; Electronic equipment; Heavy metals; Hydrocarbons; Organic pollutants; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Soils; Waste disposal; Wastes; Soil pollution; chromium; copper; DNA; heavy metal; iron; lead; manganese; nickel; polybrominated diphenyl ether; polychlorinated biphenyl; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; soil organic matter; bioaccumulation; comparative study; DNA; genotoxicity; health impact; heavy metal; organic pollutant; PAH; PBDE; PCB; plant; pollution exposure; soil pollution; waste disposal; article; atomic absorption spectrometry; bioaccumulation; China; comet assay; comparative study; concentration (parameters); controlled study; correlation analysis; DNA damage; dumping; electronic waste; environmental exposure; gas chromatography; genotoxicity; human; human cell; Nigeria; nonhuman; peripheral lymphocyte; phytotoxicity; priority journal; soil analysis; soil pollution; vegetation; waste disposal; China; Comet Assay; DNA Damage; Electronics; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; Metals, Heavy; Nigeria; Plants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Recycling; Soil; Waste Management; China; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947998995 | Growth performance and nutrition-related serum metabolites in growing pigs fed on Acacia Tortilis leaf meal | Ndou S.P., Khanyile M., Chimonyo M. | 2015 | Livestock Science | 182 | None | 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.10.003 | Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada | Ndou, S.P., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Khanyile, M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Chimonyo, M., Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | The objective of the study was to determine the response in metabolites and growth performance in growing pigs fed on Acacia tortilis leaf meal-based diets using a dose-response trial. Forty-eight male hybrid pigs (28.5±2.18. kg BW) were individually penned and assigned in a complete randomized design to six experimental diets containing 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150. g/kg DM of A. tortilis leaf meal. Pigs were bled once after three weeks for biochemical analyses. An increase in A. tortilis resulted in quadratic reductions in ADFI (P<0.0001) and ADG (P<0.05), and linear decreases in G:F (P<0.001). Serum iron, cholesterol and total protein initially increased, and then started decreasing with incremental levels of A. tortilis. There was a quadratic increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P<0.01) and a linear increase (P<0.001) in alkaline phosphatases (ALP) observed as A. tortilis inclusion increased. Using the broken-stick model, the optimum levels of leaf meals marking break points at which threshold values of ADG, serum iron, serum cholesterol and total protein occurred when A. tortilis was included at 64.8, 60.0, 87.1 and 63.2. g/kg DM, respectively. In conclusion, growth performance, serum iron and total proteins are reliable indicators of optimum inclusion levels of leaf meals in pigs. © 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V. | Acacia tortilis; Blood metabolites; Growing pigs; Optimum inclusion levels; Tannins | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000268766900003 | Do the socioeconomic impacts of antiretroviral therapy vary by gender? A longitudinal study of Kenyan agricultural worker employment outcomes | Bii, Margret,Fox, Mathew P.,Larson, Bruce A.,McCoy, Kelly,Rosen, Sydney,Sawe, Fredrick,Shaffer, Douglas,Sigei, Carolyne,Simon, Jonathan L.,Wasunna, Monique | 2009 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-9-240 | Boston University, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Walter Reed Project | None | Background: As access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has grown in Africa, attention has turned to evaluating the socio-economic impacts of ART. One key issue is the extent to which improvements in health resulting from ART allows individuals to return to work and earn income. Improvements in health from ART may also be associated with reduced impaired presenteeism, which is the loss of productivity when an ill or disabled individual attends work but accomplishes less at his or her usual tasks or shifts to other, possibly less valuable, tasks.
Methods: Longitudinal data for this analysis come from company payroll records for 97 HIV-infected tea estate workers (the index group, 56 women, 41 men) and a comparison group of all workers assigned to the same work teams (n = 2485, 1691 men, 794 women) for a 37-month period covering two years before and one year after initiating ART. We used nearest neighbour matching methods to estimate the impacts of HIV/AIDS and ART on three monthly employment outcomes for tea estate workers in Kenya - days plucking tea, days assigned to non-plucking assignments, and kilograms harvested when plucking.
Results: The female index group worked 30% fewer days plucking tea monthly than the matched female comparison group during the final 9 months pre-ART. They also worked 87% more days on non-plucking assignments. While the monthly gap between the two groups narrowed after beginning ART, the female index group worked 30% fewer days plucking tea and about 100% more days on non-plucking tasks than the comparison group after one year on ART. The male index group was able to maintain a similar pattern of work as their comparison group except during the initial five months on therapy.
Conclusion: Significant impaired presenteeism continued to exist among the female index group after one year on ART. Future research needs to explore further the socio-economic implications of HIV-infected female workers on ART being less productive than the general female workforce over sustained periods of time. | ,ADULTS,HIV/AIDS,HIV-INFECTION,ILLNESS,PERFORMANCE,PRESENTEEISM,PREVALENCE,SECTOR,SICK,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868672935 | Impact of sustained RNAi-mediated suppression of cellular cofactor Tat-SF1 on HIV-1 replication in CD4+ T cells | Green V.A., Arbuthnot P., Weinberg M.S. | 2012 | Virology Journal | 9 | None | 10.1186/1743-422X-9-272 | Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States | Green, V.A., Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Arbuthnot, P., Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Weinberg, M.S., Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Health Sciences Faculty, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States | Background: Conventional anti-HIV drug regimens targeting viral enzymes are plagued by the emergence of drug resistance. There is interest in targeting HIV-dependency factors (HDFs), host proteins that the virus requires for replication, as drugs targeting their function may prove protective. Reporter cell lines provide a rapid and convenient method of identifying putative HDFs, but this approach may lead to misleading results and a failure to detect subtle detrimental effects on cells that result from HDF suppression. Thus, alternative methods for HDF validation are required. Cellular Tat-SF1 has long been ascribed a cofactor role in Tat-dependent transactivation of viral transcription elongation. Here we employ sustained RNAi-mediated suppression of Tat-SF1 to validate its requirement for HIV-1 replication in a CD4+ T cell-derived line and its potential as a therapeutic target. Results: shRNA-mediated suppression of Tat-SF1 reduced HIV-1 replication and infectious particle production from TZM-bl reporter cells. This effect was not a result of increased apoptosis, loss of cell viability or an immune response. To validate its requirement for HIV-1 replication in a more relevant cell line, CD4+ SupT1 cell populations were generated that stably expressed shRNAs. HIV-1 replication was significantly reduced for two weeks (∼65%) in cells with depleted Tat-SF1, although the inhibition of viral replication was moderate when compared to SupT1 cells expressing a shRNA targeting the integration cofactor LEDGF/p75. Tat-SF1 suppression was attenuated over time, resulting from decreased shRNA guide strand expression, suggesting that there is a selective pressure to restore Tat-SF1 levels. Conclusions: This study validates Tat-SF1 as an HDF in CD4+ T cell-derived SupT1 cells. However, our findings also suggest that Tat-SF1 is not a critical cofactor required for virus replication and its suppression may affect cell growth. Therefore, this study demonstrates the importance of examining HIV-1 replication kinetics and cytotoxicity in cells with sustained HDF suppression to validate their therapeutic potential as targets. © 2012 Green et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | lens epithelium derived growth factor; protein; protein p75; SF1 protein; short hairpin RNA; transactivator protein; unclassified drug; article; CD4+ T lymphocyte; cell growth; cell line; human; human cell; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; nucleotide sequence; protein depletion; protein expression; protein function; RNA interference; T lymphocyte subpopulation; virus inhibition; virus replication; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Line; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Regulation; HIV-1; Humans; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering; Trans-Activators; Virus Replication; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79251480044 | Microbial evaluation and public health implications of urine as alternative therapy in clinical pediatric cases: Health implication of urine therapy | Ogunshe A.A.O., Fawole A.O., Ajayi V.A. | 2010 | Pan African Medical Journal | 5 | None | None | Applied Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Biology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Biology and Microbiology Unit, Department of Sc | Ogunshe, A.A.O., Applied Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Fawole, A.O., Department of Biology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ajayi, V.A., Biology and Microbiology Unit, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria | Background: Cultural means of pediatric treatment during ill health is a mainstay in Africa, and though urine has been known to contain enteric pathogens, urine therapy is still culturally applicable in some health conditions and also advocated as alternative therapy. The study therefore, is to evaluate the microbial contents and safety of urine. Methods: Urinary bacteria from cows and healthy children aged 5-11 years were identified by conventional phenotypic methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using modified agar disc and well-diffusion methods. Results: A total of 116 bacterial isolates (n = 77 children; n = 39 cows) were identified as Bacillus (10.4%; 5.1%)), Staphylococcus (2.6%; 2.6%), Citrobacter (3.9%; 12.8%), Escherichia coli (36.4%; 23.1%), Klebsiella (7.8%; 12.8%), Proteus (18.2%; 23.1%), Pseudomonas (9.1%; 2.6%), Salmonella (3.9%; 5.1%) and Shigella (7.8%; 12.8%) spp. Antibiotic resistance rates of the Gram-positive bacteria were high (50.0-100%), except in Bacillus strains against chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline (14.3%), while higher resistance rates were recorded among the Gram-negative bacteria except in Citrobacter (0.0%) and Proteus (8.5%) spp. against gentamicin and tetracycline respectively. The Gram-negative bacteria from ito malu (cow urine) were more resistant bacteria except in Citrobacter (20.0%) and Shigella spp. (0.0%) against tetracycline and Proteus spp. (11.1%), (22.2%) against amoxicillin and tetracycline respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) rates recorded in children urinal bacterial species were 37.5-100% (Gram-positive) and 12.5-100% (Gram-negative), while MAR among the cow urinal bacteria was 12.5-75.0% (Gram-positive) and 25.0-100% (Gram-negative). Similar higher resistance rates were also recorded among the Gram-negative bacterial species from urine specimens against the pediatric antibiotic suspensions. Conclusion: The study reported presence of multiple antibiotic-resistant indicator bacteria in human urine and ito malu used as alternative remedy in pediatric health conditions like febrile convulsion. © Adenike Adedayo O. Ogunshe et al. | Alternative medicine; Antibiotic resistance; Convulsion; Cultural behaviour; Infant mortality; Nigeria; Pediatic; Urine therapy | agar; amaxin; amoxicillin; amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid; ampicillin; ampicillin plus cloxacillin; antibiotic agent; azithromycin; cefaclor; cefadroxil; cefalerin; cefamor; cefuroxime axetil; chloramphenicol; clindamycin; clofencol; cloxacillin; cotrimoxazole; emicillin; emzoclox; erythrokid; erythromycin; erythromycin stearate; flucloxacillin; fusidic acid; gentamicin; jawaclox; loxagyl; loxaprim; metronidazole; odoxil ds; penicillin G; rancotrim; sulfamethoxazole; tetracycline; throtal; trimethoprim; unclassified drug; antiinfective agent; alternative medicine; antibiotic resistance; antibiotic sensitivity; article; Bacillus; bacterium identification; bacterium isolation; child; childhood disease; Citrobacter; controlled study; cow; Escherichia coli; febrile convulsion; female; Gram negative bacterium; Gram positive bacterium; human; Klebsiella; male; microbiological examination; nonhuman; phenotype; preschool child; Proteus; Pseudomonas; public health service; Salmonella; school child; Shigella; species difference; Staphylococcus; urine therapy; African medicine; animal; antibiotic resistance; cattle; drug effect; evaluation; febrile convulsion; Gram negative bacterium; Gram positive bacterium; isolation and purification; microbiological examination; microbiology; pediatrics; public health; urine; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cattle; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Humans; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pediatrics; Public Health; Seizures, Febrile; Urine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938827709 | Evaluation of bacteriostatic potency of expired oral paediatric antibiotics and implications on infant health | Ogunshe A., Adinmonyema P. | 2014 | Pan African Medical Journal | 19 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2014.19.378.2156 | Applied Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogunshe, A., Applied Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adinmonyema, P., Applied Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Introduction: in spite of significant risks, as well as non-clinical importance due to loss of potency, stiff penalties against administration of expired medications are still not appropriately enforced by health policy makers in many developing countries, possibly because of little evidence to support that expired medications are hazardous. The purpose of this study therefore, was to investigate the effect of expiration dates on in vitro bacteriostatic potentials of oral paediatric antibiotics. Methods: comparative bacteriostatic potentials of 31 expired and seven corresponding unexpired oral paediatric antibiotics were determined on infantile diarrhoeagenic bacteria, using a modification of agar well-diffusion method. Results: verall total percentage in vitro resistance rates against expired and unexpired paediatric antibiotics respectively were - E. coli (≤100% vs. ≤15.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (≤100% vs. ≤31.3%), Proteus mirabilis (≤91.7% vs. ≤41.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (≤100% vs. ≤18.2%). Resistance rates of 45.5-55.8% (sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 5), 39.5-63.6% (amoxycillin 6), 46.5-54.5% (cotrimoxazole 7), 37.5-63.6% (ampicillin + cloxacillin 18), and higher resistance rates of ≥75.0-100% were exhibited towards remaining expired antibiotics. Higher total resistance and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) rates were also recorded against expired antibiotics (45.2-93.5%) compared to unexpired antibiotics (28.6-57.2%), except for few strains of E. coli and Proteus mirabilis. Furthermore, unexpired paediatric antibiotics exhibited wider zones of inhibition towards the test diarrhoeagenic bacteria (≥25.0 mm diameter). Conclusion: this study provided preliminary microbiological results on the appreciable reduction in in vitro bacteriostatic potentials, as well as higher resistance and multiple antibiotic resistance rates among expired oral paediatric antibiotics on infantile diarrhoeagenic bacteria. Apart from less-efficacy, administration of expired antibiotics can lead to increased antibiotic resistance and clinical treatment failure, as well as adverse drug reactions. © Adenike Ogunshe et al. | Antibiotic resistance; Drug allergy; Drug degradation; Drug toxicity; Expired antibiotics; Infant mortality; Paediatric antibiotics; Paediatric health | amoxicillin; ampicillin plus cloxacillin; antibiotic agent; cotrimoxazole; antiinfective agent; agar diffusion; antibiotic resistance; Article; bacteriostasis; child; child health; controlled study; Escherichia coli; expiration date; human; in vitro study; infant; Klebsiella pneumoniae; nonhuman; Proteus mirabilis; Staphylococcus aureus; drug effects; drug stability; drug storage; growth, development and aging; infant welfare; microbial sensitivity test; oral drug administration; preschool child; statistics and numerical data; Administration, Oral; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child, Preschool; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Drug Stability; Drug Storage; Escherichia coli; Humans; Infant; Infant Welfare; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868459367 | Electrical resistivity survey for groundwater investigations and shallow subsurface evaluation of the basaltic-greenstone formation of the urban Bulawayo aquifer | Muchingami I., Hlatywayo D.J., Nel J.M., Chuma C. | 2012 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2012.08.014 | Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Box X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa | Muchingami, I., Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Box X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Hlatywayo, D.J., Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Nel, J.M., Department of Earth Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Box X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Chuma, C., Applied Physics Department, National University of Science and Technology, Box AC939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Electrical resistivity surveying methods have been widely used to determine the thickness and resistivity of layered media for the purpose of assessing groundwater potential and siting boreholes in fractured unconfined aquifers. Traditionally, this has been done using one-dimensional (1D) vertical electrical sounding (VES) surveys. However, 1D VES surveys only model layered structures of the subsurface and do not provide comprehensive information for interpreting the structure and extent of subsurface hydro-geological features. As such the incorporation of two-dimensional (2D) geophysical techniques for groundwater prospecting has often been used to provide a more detailed interpretation of the subsurface hydro-geological features from which potential sites for successful borehole location are identified. In this study, 2D electrical resistivity tomography was combined with 1D VES to produce a subsurface resistivity model for assessing the availability of groundwater in the basaltic-greenstone formation of the Matsheumhlope well field in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Low resistivity readings (<50. Ωm) towards the central region of the study area suggest a high groundwater potential, while high resistivities (>500. Ωm) around the western margin of the study area suggests a low groundwater potential. 2D electrical resistivity surveys provide a more detailed subsurface structure and may assist in identifying the configuration of possible fractures which could conduct groundwater into the shallow subsurface of study area. It is concluded that 2D electrical resistivity methods is an effective tool for assessing the availability of groundwater in the highly weathered and fractured basaltic greenstone rocks. The methods provided a more precise hydro-geophysical model for the study area compared to the traditional VES. Results from this study are useful for technical groundwater management as they clearly identified suitable borehole locations for long term groundwater prospecting. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | 2D (two-dimensional); Electrical resistivity; Groundwater; Resistivity models; Unconfined aquifer | Comprehensive information; Effective tool; Electrical resistivity; Electrical resistivity tomography; Geophysical techniques; Groundwater management; High resistivity; Layered media; Layered Structures; Low resistivity; Potential sites; Resistivity models; Shallow subsurface; Study areas; Subsurface structures; Unconfined aquifers; Vertical electrical sounding; Zimbabwe; Aquifers; Basalt; Boreholes; Electric conductivity; Electric prospecting; Geophysics; Groundwater; Hydrogeology; Structural geology; Surveys; Two dimensional; Water management; Groundwater resources; basalt; borehole; electrical resistivity; greenstone; groundwater; tomography; two-dimensional modeling; unconfined aquifer; urban area; vertical electrical sounding; water management; Bulawayo [Bulawayo (PRV)]; Bulawayo [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886781178 | Performance evaluation of chicken, cow and pig manure in the production of natural fish food in aquadams stocked with Oreochromis mossambicus | Rapatsa M.M., Moyo N.A.G. | 2013 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 66 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2013.08.009 | Aquaculture Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, 0727, South Africa | Rapatsa, M.M., Aquaculture Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, 0727, South Africa; Moyo, N.A.G., Aquaculture Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), Private Bag X1106, 0727, South Africa | The main objective of this study was to characterize the ecological conditions that prevail after the application of chicken, cow and pig manure. Three treatments, chicken, cow, pig manure and a control were assigned to aquadams in a completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated three times. The aquadams were fertilized 2. weeks before the fish were stocked. One hundred Oreochromis mossambicus (mean weight. ±40. g) were stocked in each aquadam. Water physico-chemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, turbidity, ammonia, nitrite, total alkalinity as calcium carbonate, and phosphorus) were determined once a week for the duration of the experiment. Zooplankton and phytoplankton in the different treatments were enumerated once every 2. weeks. The relationship between phytoplankton communities and the water physico-chemical parameters were evaluated using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The CCA indicated that the physico-chemical variables which best explain the distribution of phytoplankton were carbonate alkalinity, pH, phosphate, potassium, nitrogen and dissolved oxygen. Phytoplankton abundance was highest in chicken manure because the optimum nutrient conditions for the growth of phytoplankton were found in this treatment. Zooplankton abundance was also highest in the chicken manure treatment. The control was associated with one phytoplankton taxa, Chlorella. The numerical contribution of the different food items in the stomachs of O. mossambicus was determined. The diet of O. mossambicus was dominated by phytoplankton particularly Microcystis species. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were used to assess the microbiological quality of the water in the different manure treatments. Chicken manure had the lowest total coliform and E. coli count. However, chicken manure had the highest Bacillus count. The implications of the microbial load in the chicken, cow and pig manure are discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Fish; Manure; Plankton; Quality; Water | Canonical Correspondence Analysis; Completely randomized designs; Electrical conductivity; Microbiological quality; Oreochromis Mossambicus; Physicochemical parameters; Phytoplankton abundances; Phytoplankton community; Alkalinity; Animals; Bacteriology; Biochemical oxygen demand; Escherichia coli; Fish; Image quality; Manures; Phytoplankton; Water; Plankton; aquaculture system; experimental study; food supplementation; livestock; manure; performance assessment; physicochemical property; phytoplankton; water chemistry; zooplankton; Escherichia coli; Microcystis; Oreochromis mossambicus; Suidae | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943809362 | Evaluation of the safety, gastroprotective activity and mechanism of action of standardised leaves infusion extract of Copaifera malmei Harms | Adzu B., Balogun S.O., Pavan E., Ascêncio S.D., Soares I.M., Aguiar R.W.S., Ribeiro R.V., Beserra Â.M.S.E.S., De Oliveira R.G., Da Silva L.I., Damazo A.S., Martins D.T.D.O. | 2015 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 175 | None | 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.027 | Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; Área de Histologia, Departamento de Ciências Básica | Adzu, B., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria; Balogun, S.O., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; Pavan, E., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; Ascêncio, S.D., Laboratório de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais, Curso de Medicina, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, Brazil; Soares, I.M., Laboratório de Pesquisa em Produtos Naturais, Curso de Medicina, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, Brazil; Aguiar, R.W.S., Departamento da Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Do Tocantins (UFT), Gurupi, Brazil; Ribeiro, R.V., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; Beserra, Â.M.S.E.S., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; De Oliveira, R.G., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; Da Silva, L.I., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil; Damazo, A.S., Área de Histologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, Brazil; Martins, D.T.D.O., Área de Farmacologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Av.Fer- nando Correada Costa, no.2367-Boa Esperança, Cuiabá-MT, Brazil | Ethnopharmacological relevance Copaifera malmei Harms (Fabaceae) is a plant that occurs in the central region of Brazil, where the plant's leaves infusion is popularly used to treat gastric ulcer and inflammatory diseases. This study was aimed to investigate the gastroprotective activity and mode of action of the plants' leaves infusion in order to establish the scientific basis for such usage, and to assess its potential as a source of an anti-ulcer agent. Materials and methods Leaves infusion extract of the plant (SIECm) was prepared, freeze dried and lyophilised. Its qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents were investigated using TLC and HPLC techniques. The safety profile was evaluated on CHO-k1 epithelial cells viability using the Alamar blue assay, and by acute toxicity test in mice. The gastroprotection and anti-ulcer efficacy of the SIECm (25, 100 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested using acute (acidified ethanol, piroxicam and water restrain stress), and chronic (acetic acid) experimental ulcer models. The plausible mode of action of the SIECm was assessed using gastric secretion, gastric barrier mucus, nitric oxide, and its antioxidant (myeloperoxidase and catalase) effects in mice and rats. The histopathological analyses of the ulcerated tissues as well as the extract's activity on Helicobacter pylori were also investigated. Results Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of mainly phytosterols, phenolics and flavonoids. The SIECm exhibited no cytotoxic effects on the CHO-k1 cells, and no oral acute toxicity in mice. It prevented against the acute induced ulcerations by enhancing gastroprotection through gastric mucus production, NO modulation, antioxidant, reduced gastric secretion and enhanced chronic ulcers healing process, as shown by reduction/prevention of epithelial and vascular damage, in addition to reduction in leucocyte infiltration. The SIECm however did not exhibit activity against H. pylori. Conclusion The SIECm is safe, contain useful phytochemicals and exhibited significant gastroprotective/anti-ulcer effects. The results justify its folkloric usage, and provided scientific evidence of its potential as a source of new phytodrug to treat gastric ulcers. © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. | Acute toxicity; Copaifera malmei; Gastroprotection; Leaves infusion; Phytochemicals | acetic acid; alcohol; antiulcer agent; carbenoxolone; catalase; catechin; copaifera malmei extract; ellagic acid; flavonoid; gallic acid; myeloperoxidase; nitric oxide; phenol derivative; phytosterol; piroxicam; plant extract; quercetin; rutoside; unclassified drug; water; acute toxicity; adult; analytic method; animal experiment; animal model; animal tissue; antioxidant activity; antiulcer activity; Article; blood vessel injury; cell viability; CHO cell line; clinical assessment; controlled study; Copaifera malmei; drug efficacy; drug mechanism; drug safety; drug screening; epithelium cell; experimental mouse; experimental rat; Fabaceae; freeze drying; Helicobacter pylori; high performance liquid chromatography; histopathology; immobilization stress; infusion; lymphocytic infiltration; lyophilisate; medicinal plant; mouse; nonhuman; plant leaf; qualitative analysis; quantitative analysis; rat; resazurin assay; single drug dose; stomach lesion; stomach mucus; stomach protection; stomach secretion; stomach ulcer; thin layer chromatography; ulcer healing; water restraint stress | None |
| WoS | WOS:000340956400001 | Impact of health education intervention on knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and cervical screening uptake among adult women in rural communities in Nigeria | Abiodun, Olumide A.,Olu-Abiodun, Oluwatosin O.,Oluwole, Francis A.,Sotunsa, John O. | 2014 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 14 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-14-814 | Babcock Univ, Olabisi Onabanjo Univ, Sch Nursing | None | Background: Cervical cancer is a disease of public health importance affecting many women and contributing to avoidably high levels of cancer deaths in Nigeria. In spite of the relative ease of prevention, the incidence is on the increase. This study aimed to determine the effect of health education on the awareness, knowledge and perception of cervical cancer and screening among women in rural Nigerian communities.
Methods: The study design was quasi-experimental. The study was carried out among adult women in Odogbolu (intervention) and Ikenne (control) local government areas (LGA) of Ogun state. Three hundred and fifty (350) women were selected per group by multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected by semi structured interviews with the aid of questionnaire. The intervention consisted of structured health education based on a movie.
Result: The intervention raised the level of awareness of cervical cancer and screening to 100% (p < 0.0001). The proportion of women with very good knowledge of cervical cancer and screening rose from 2% to 70.5% (X-2 = 503.7, p < 0.0001) while the proportion of those with good perception rose from 5.1% to 95.1% (p < 0.0001). The mean knowledge and mean perception scores were also increased (p < 0.0001). There was increase in the proportion of women who had undertaken cervical screening from 4.3% to 8.3% (p = 0.038). The major reason stated by the women for not having had cervical screening done was lack of awareness about cervical cancer and screening. There was statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups concerning their knowledge attitude and practice towards cervical and screening (p < 0.05) after the intervention.
Conclusion: Multiple media health education based on a movie is effective in creating awareness for and improving the knowledge and perception of adult women about cervical cancer and screening. It also improves the uptake of cervical cancer screening. The creation of awareness is very crucial to the success of a cervical cancer prevention programme. | AWARENESS,"CERVICAL CANCER","CERVICAL SCREENING",KNOWLEDGE,movie,"Participatory health education",PERCEPTION,BREAST | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947070662 | Evaluation of the efficacy of bleach routinely used in health facilities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Ethiopia | Mekonnen D., Admassu A., Wassie B., Biadglegne F. | 2015 | Pan African Medical Journal | 21 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2015.21.317.5456 | Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Bahir Dar Regional Health Research Laboratory Center, Department of Regional Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Leipzig, Germany | Mekonnen, D., Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Admassu, A., Bahir Dar Regional Health Research Laboratory Center, Department of Regional Mycobacteriology Laboratory, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Wassie, B., Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ethiopia; Biadglegne, F., Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Leipzig, Germany | Introduction: In Ethiopia, the most widely used disinfectant is 5% Hypochlorites. However, Ethiopian national health safety and infection prevention guideline recommendation on the use of bleach is not consistent and varying from 0.1%-4%. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess the effective time-concentration relationship of sodium hypochlorite against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates in the absence of any organic load. Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Bahir Dar Regional laboratory from February-June 2013. Test suspensions of 1.5 X 108 CFU/ml prepared using normal saline containing 0.5% tween 80. From 5% stock, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% bleach was prepared. A 1ml of test strain suspension and 1ml of bleach mixed and allowed to stand until the specified time achieved, neutralized by 48 ml phosphate buffer. 100µl from the diluted sediment were spread on two L-J mediums and incubated at 37°C for 8 weeks. Results: When 0. 1% bleach was used for 10 min, majority 11/20 of isolates showed 3 x 103 CFU/ml growth (ME=4.4) which was inefficient. However, when the time increased, the log10 reduction was acceptable, ME >5 and it was effective. The bleach solution containing 0.5% and above was effective in all respective times. In this study, there is no difference observed in the tuberculocidal activity of bleach against resistant and sensitive strains. Conclusion: Our study showed that in the absence of any organic load, 0.1% bleaches over 15 min and 0.5 % bleaches over 10 min was found to be tuberculocidal. © Daniel Mekonnen et al. | Bleach; Efficacy; Ethiopia; M. tuberculosis; Organic load | bleaching agent; hypochlorite sodium; Article; bacterial growth; bacterial strain; bactericidal activity; bacterium isolate; controlled study; disinfection; dose time effect relation; Ethiopia; growth inhibition; health care facility; infection prevention; instrument sterilization; laboratory; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; pH; temperature sensitivity; water temperature | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940056879 | Effect of short chain iodoalkane solvent additives on photovoltaic performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and phenyl-C<inf>61</inf>-butyric acid methyl ester based bulk heterojunction solar cells | Hailegnaw B., Adam G., Yohannes T. | 2015 | Thin Solid Films | 589 | None | 10.1016/j.tsf.2015.05.038 | Bahir Dar University, College of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Dilla University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia; Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 1179, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Hailegnaw, B., Bahir Dar University, College of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Adam, G., Dilla University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 419, Dilla, Ethiopia; Yohannes, T., Addis Ababa University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 1179, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | In this work the effect of short chain iodoalkane solvent additives such as iodobutane, iodoethane, diiodomethane and iodomethane on the photovoltaic parameters of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C<inf>61</inf>-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) (1:1) based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells was studied in an ambient air conditions. Devices processed in 2% (v/v) of diiodomethane, iodobutane and iodoethane showed improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.40, 2.29 and 2.04%, respectively as compared to the efficiency of pristine (without additive) devices (1.93%), while devices made using iodomethane exhibit PCE of 1.66%. The UV-vis absorption spectra of devices showed that the presence of these additives results the growth of enhanced local structure with improved crystalline and order of P3HT domain. Furthermore, UV-vis absorption response of the solar cells before and after soaked in the aforementioned solvents indicates that each additive has selective solubility for PCBM except iodomethane in which both P3HT and PCBM showed solubility. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Bulk heterojunction; Iodoalkane; Phase separation; Selective dissolution; Solvent additive | Additives; Butyric acid; Carrier mobility; Chains; Esters; Heterojunctions; Phase separation; Photovoltaic effects; Solar power generation; Solubility; Solvents; Ultraviolet spectroscopy; Bulk heterojunction; Bulk heterojunction (BHJ); Bulk heterojunction solar cells; Iodoalkane; Power conversion efficiencies; Selective dissolution; Solvent additives; UV-VIS absorption spectra; Solar cells | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879129701 | Evaluation of coagulation parameters and liver enzymes among alcohol drinkers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria | Adias T.C., Egerton E., Erhabor O. | 2013 | International Journal of General Medicine | 6 | None | 10.2147/IJGM.S43472 | Bayelsa College of Health Technology, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo Univers | Adias, T.C., Bayelsa College of Health Technology, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Egerton, E., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; Erhabor, O., Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria | Alcohol is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, disability, and death in high, middle, and low-income countries. Harmful use of alcohol is one of the main factors contributing to premature deaths and avoidable disease burden worldwide and has a major impact on public health. The aim of this present cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption on coagulation parameters and liver enzymes of subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Two hundred adults consisting of 120 alcohol dependent subjects and 80 age, gender-matched nondrinkers aged 25-65 years (mean age 45.25 ± 11.50 years) were enrolled in this study. Of the 120 chronic alcohol drinkers, 37 were dependent on local dry gin, while 83 were dependent on other alcoholic beverages. The mean values of the liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase, were significantly higher (P = 0.002 and P = 0.02 respectively) among the chronic alcohol consumers compared with their nondrinker counterparts. Although the value of alanine aminotransferase was higher in the chronic drinkers, it did not reveal any significant difference (P = 0.11). The coagulation parameters, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were investigated among chronic drinkers and nondrinkers. The mean value of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time was significantly higher in the chronic alcohol drinkers compared to the nondrinkers (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02 respectively). We observed a positive and significant correlation between values of liver enzymes, serum gamma glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and values of prothrombin time among alcohol consumers (r = 0.72 and r = 0.68 respectively). The implementation of policies to target harm reduction strategies among alcoholics is urgently needed, alongside the building of a strong base of public awareness and community support required for the continuity and sustainability of alcohol policies. There is also the need for the Nigerian government to enforce tighter regulations and restrictions on the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages to reduce harmful use, and protect young people and other vulnerable groups. © 2013 Adias et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. | Chronic alcoholics; Coagulation parameters; Liver enzymes; Nigeria; Port harcourt | alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; gamma glutamyltransferase; adult; aged; alanine aminotransferase blood level; alcohol consumption; alcoholic beverage; alcoholism; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; blood clotting parameters; controlled study; cross-sectional study; drinking behavior; female; gamma glutamyl transferase blood level; gin; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; partial thromboplastin time; prothrombin time | None |
| WoS | WOS:000344345100006 | The Impact of Mentor Mother Programs on PMTCT Service Uptake and Retention-in-Care at Primary Health Care Facilities in Nigeria: A Prospective Cohort Study (MoMent Nigeria) | Adejuyigbe, Ebun,Adeyemi, Olusegun A.,Afe, Abayomi J.,Bassey, Emem,Charurat, Manhattan E.,Cornelius, Llewellyn J.,Galadanci, Hadiza,Isah, Haroun O.,Jolaoso, Ibidun,Okundaye, Joshua N.,Sam-Agudu, Nadia A.,Wiwa, Owens M. | 2014 | JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES | 67 | None | 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000331 | Bayero University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Maryland Baltimore, University System of Maryland, Clinton Hlth Access Initiat, Equitable Hlth Access Initiat, Fed Minist Hlth, Inst Human Virol Nigeria | "Adejuyigbe, Ebun: Obafemi Awolowo University","Charurat, Manhattan E.: University of Maryland Baltimore","Charurat, Manhattan E.: University System of Maryland","Cornelius, Llewellyn J.: University of Maryland Baltimore","Cornelius, Llewellyn J.: University System of Maryland","Galadanci, Hadiza: Bayero University","Okundaye, Joshua N.: University of Maryland Baltimore","Okundaye, Joshua N.: University System of Maryland", | Background:Nigeria is a key target country in the global effort toward elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Low coverage of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions, adherence, and retention-in-care rates in HIV-positive pregnant women are contributing factors to high mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) rates. In Nigeria, rural areas, served largely by primary health care facilities, have particularly poor indicators of PMTCT coverage. Mentor Mothers are HIV-positive women who serve as peer counselors for PMTCT clients, provide guidance, and support in keeping appointments and promoting antiretroviral adherence and retention-in-care. The Mother Mentor (MoMent) study aims to investigate the impact of structured Mentor Mother programs on PMTCT outcomes in rural Nigeria.Design and Methods:A prospective cohort study will compare rates of retention-in-care among PMTCT clients who are supported by formally-trained supervised Mentor Mothers versus clients who receive standard-of-care, informal peer support. Study sites are 20 primary health care centers (10 intervention, 10 control) in rural North-Central Nigeria. The study population is HIV-positive mothers and exposed infant pairs (MIPs) (N = 480; 240 MIPs per study arm). Primary outcome measures are the proportion of exposed infants receiving early HIV testing by age 2 months, and the proportion of MIPs retained in care at 6 months postpartum. Secondary outcome measures examine antiretroviral adherence, 12-month postpartum MIP retention, and MTCT rates. This article presents details of the study design, the structured Mentor Mother programs, and how their impact on PMTCT outcomes will be assessed. | ADHERENCE,"early infant diagnosis","Mentor Mother",NIGERIA,PMTCT,RETENTION,AFRICA,CASCADE,COMMUNITY,INTERVENTION,OUTCOMES,PREVENTION,"TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION",WORKERS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939222284 | Impacts of household energy programs on fuel consumption in Benin, Uganda, and India | Garland C., Jagoe K., Wasirwa E., Nguyen R., Roth C., Patel A., Shah N., Derby E., Mitchell J., Pennise D., Johnson M.A. | 2015 | Energy for Sustainable Development | 27 | None | 10.1016/j.esd.2014.05.005 | Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Wana Energy Solutions, Uganda; Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), FABEN Project, Benin; Food and Fuel Consultants, Germany; Alpha Renewable Energy, Pvt. Ltd., India; Self Employed Women's Association, India; Winrock International, United States; United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States | Garland, C., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Jagoe, K., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Wasirwa, E., Wana Energy Solutions, Uganda; Nguyen, R., Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), FABEN Project, Benin; Roth, C., Food and Fuel Consultants, Germany; Patel, A., Alpha Renewable Energy, Pvt. Ltd., India; Shah, N., Self Employed Women's Association, India; Derby, E., Winrock International, United States; Mitchell, J., United States Environmental Protection Agency, United States; Pennise, D., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States; Johnson, M.A., Berkeley Air Monitoring Group, 2124 Kittredge St #57, Berkeley, CA, United States | This paper presents results of three United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) sponsored field studies which assessed the fuel consumption impacts of household energy programs in Benin, Uganda, and Gujarat, India. These studies expand on a previous round of U.S. EPA supported efforts to build field testing capacity and collect stove performance data in Peru, Nepal, and Maharashtra, India. Daily fuel consumption estimates of traditional and intervention technologies were made using the Kitchen Performance Test (KPT) protocol to determine the potential fuel savings associated with the respective programs. The programs in Benin and Gujarat, India resulted in significant fuel savings of approximately 29% and 61%, respectively. In Uganda, the homes using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumed approximately 31% less charcoal than those not using LPG, although the total energy consumption per household was similar between the baseline and LPG user groups. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Biofuel; Cookstoves; Fuel savings; Kitchen Performance Test; Stove performance testing | biofuel; cooking appliance; energy use; fuel consumption; household energy; liquefied petroleum gas; performance assessment; Benin [West Africa]; Gujarat; India; Maharashtra; Nepal; Peru; Uganda; United States | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857281840 | Chemical evaluation of African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis, larvae as a food source | Elemo B.O., Elemo G.N., Makinde M.A., Erukainure O.L. | 2011 | Journal of Insect Science | 11 | None | 10.1673/031.011.14601 | Biochemistry Department, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Food Technology Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos, Nigeria; School of Medicine, Ross University, Portsmouth, Dominica | Elemo, B.O., Biochemistry Department, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Elemo, G.N., Food Technology Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos, Nigeria; Makinde, M.A., School of Medicine, Ross University, Portsmouth, Dominica; Erukainure, O.L., Food Technology Division, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Lagos, Nigeria | The chemical properties of the African palm weevil, Rhychophorus phoenicis (F.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), larvae were evaluated using standard methodology. The chloroform-methanol extract yielded 37.12% on a dry basis. The oil was liquid at room temperature with a flash point of 36.0 °C. Analysis of the physical constants indicated values of 192.25 Wijs and 427.70 mg KOH/g as iodine and saponification, respectively. Fatty acid analysis of the extracted oil showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids at low levels. Palmitic acid and stearic acid constituted 35.3 and 60.5% of the oil, respectively. The usual behaviour of the oil at room temperature, irrespective of the level of unsaturation of its constituent fatty acid was noted. The total protein content of the defatted palm weevil larva (dry basis) was estimated at 66.3%. The amino acid values compared favourably to FAO reference protein, except for tryptophan, which was limiting. All the other essential amino acids were adequate. Mineral analysis revealed high levels of potassium (1025 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (685 mg/100 g). The dried and defatted palm weevil lava represents a very good source of protein, and a good complement of essential amino acids. | Amino acids; Edible insects; Fatty acids; Minerals | Coleoptera; Curculionidae; Dryophthorinae; Hexapoda; Rhynchophorus phoenicis; animal; article; chemistry; food analysis; larva; protein intake; weevil; Animals; Dietary Proteins; Food Analysis; Larva; Weevils | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79955434124 | Evaluation of in vitro activity of essential oils against trypanosoma brucei brucei and trypanosoma evansi | Habila N., Agbaji A.S., Ladan Z., Bello I.A., Haruna E., Dakare M.A., Atolagbe T.O. | 2010 | Journal of Parasitology Research | 2010 | None | 10.1155/2010/534601 | Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B, 1045 Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B., 1045 Zaria, | Habila, N., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Agbaji, A.S., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Ladan, Z., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Bello, I.A., Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B, 1045 Zaria, Nigeria; Haruna, E., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B., 1045 Zaria, Nigeria; Dakare, M.A., Biochemistry Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, P.M.B, 1052 Zaria, Nigeria; Atolagbe, T.O., Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, P.M.B., 1045 Zaria, Nigeria | Essential oils (EOs) from Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Eucalyptus citriodora (EC), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (ED), and Citrus sinensis (CS) were obtained by hydrodistillation process. The EOs were evaluated in vitro for activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Tbb) and Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi). The EOs were found to possess antitrypanosomal activity in vitro in a dose-dependent pattern in a short period of time. The drop in number of parasite over time was achieved doses of 0.4g/ml, 0.2g/mL, and 0.1g/mL for all the EOs. The concentration of 0.4g/mL CC was more potent at 3 minutes and 2 minutes for Tbb and T. evansi, respectively. The GC-MS analysis of the EOs revealed presence of Cyclobutane (96.09) in CS, 6-octenal (77.11) in EC, Eucalyptol (75) in ED, and Citral (38.32) in CC among several other organic compounds. The results are discussed in relation to trypanosome chemotherapy. © 2010 Nathan Habila et al. | None | acetylcholinesterase; essential oil; antitrypanosomal activity; article; controlled study; Cymbopogon citratus; distillation; drug activity; enzyme activity; Eucalyptus; Eucalyptus camaldulensis; eucalyptus citriodora; in vitro study; nonhuman; priority journal; sweet orange; Trypanosoma brucei; Trypanosoma evansi; Citrus sinensis; Corymbia citriodora; Cymbopogon citratus; Eucalyptus camaldulensis; Trypanosoma brucei brucei; Trypanosoma evansi | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875808744 | Impact delamination testing of fibre reinforced polymers using Hopkinson Pressure Bars | Govender R.A., Langdon G.S., Nurick G.N., Cloete T.J. | 2013 | Engineering Fracture Mechanics | 101 | None | 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.07.025 | Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Govender, R.A., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nurick, G.N., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Cloete, T.J., Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | High rate delamination tests are often performed using high speed servo-hydraulic or drop-weight test frames. However, impact induced stress wave propagation in the specimen, load cell and test frame often results in oscillations in the force readings which can obscure specimen response. The Hopkinson Pressure Bar provides a means of measuring impact forces and velocities that accounts for stress wave propagation, but is typically used where forces are relatively high and deflections to failure are relatively low. A modified Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus was developed to conduct delamination tests, based on Three Point Bend Test geometry, at impact velocities of the order of 5-10. m/s, with specimen deflections to failure approaching 10. mm. This apparatus was used to test the delamination response of Glass Fibre reinforced Polypropylene specimens, using the mixed Mode I-Mode II Single Leg Bend delamination test. The shape of the force-deflection curve differed dramatically between quasi-static and impact tests. Finite Element Analysis, using cohesive zone elements to capture delamination, was used to elucidate the different response of the quasi-static and impact delamination tests. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Delamination; Fibre reinforced polymer; Strain rate | Cohesive zone element; Delamination testing; Fibre reinforced polymers; Force-deflection curves; Glass fibre reinforced; Hopkinson pressure bar; Stress wave propagation; Three point bend tests; Bridge decks; Fiber reinforced plastics; Finite element method; Glass fibers; Polypropylenes; Reinforced plastics; Strain rate; Delamination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865661795 | The blast and impact loading of aluminium foam | Merrett R.P., Langdon G.S., Theobald M.D. | 2013 | Materials and Design | 44 | None | 10.1016/j.matdes.2012.08.016 | Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Merrett, R.P., Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Langdon, G.S., Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Theobald, M.D., Blast Impact Survivability Research Unit (BISRU), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper reports results from impact and blast loading experiments on aluminium foam. The impact tests covered the velocity range required to induce non-uniform strain, and the propagation of a densification front through the specimen (often referred to as 'shock'). In the direct impact tests, the velocity and test direction influenced the material response, with the stress tending to increase with velocity in the reverse direction. No significant increase in the stress was exhibited during the forward direction tests. This is in accordance with shock theory. Taylor test results confirmed the presence of shock in the foam specimens at impacts in excess of 60 m/s. For the blast tests, the impulse range produced by detonating plastic explosive did not result in shock loading of foam core cladding specimens. As strength enhancement due to shock may be undesirable in cladding structures due to the increased stress transfer to the protected structure, the cladding was considered acceptable. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | Aluminium foam; Blast loading; Direct impact; Shock | Aluminium foam; Blast loading; Cladding structures; Direct impact; Impact and blast loadings; Non-uniform strain; Shock; Strength enhancement; Explosives; Metal cladding; Aluminum | NRF, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908032494 | 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-s2.0-77649288154 | Psychosocial impact of sickle cell disorder: Perspectives from a Nigerian setting | Anie K.A., Egunjobi F.E., Akinyanju O.O. | 2010 | Globalization and Health | 6 | None | 10.1186/1744-8603-6-2 | Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, NW10 7NS, United Kingdom; National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Anie, K.A., Brent Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, Imperial College School of Medicine, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, NW10 7NS, United Kingdom; Egunjobi, F.E., National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria; Akinyanju, O.O., National Sickle Cell Centre, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria | Sickle Cell Disorder is a global health problem with psychosocial implications. Nigeria has the largest population of people with sickle cell disorder, with about 150,000 births annually. This study explored the psychosocial impact of sickle cell disorder in 408 adolescents and adults attending three hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. A questionnaire was designed for the study, with some of commonly described areas of psychosocial impact including general public perceptions and attitudes, education, employment, and healthcare issues, and emotional responses The majority of participants thought that society in general had a negative image of SCD, and reported negative perceptions and attitudes. Some issues in education, employment, and healthcare were expressed, however these were in the minority of cases. The results also showed that depressive feelings were experienced in almost half the study population, even though feelings of anxiety or self-hate were uncommon. Clinical implications of these findings are considered.© 2010 Anie et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | behavioral response; blood system disorder; health care; perception; public attitude; questionnaire survey; social impact; adolescent; adult; anxiety; article; attitude; controlled study; depression; education; emotion; employment; female; hate; health service; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; priority journal; psychosocial care; sickle cell anemia; social psychology; Lagos [Nigeria]; Nigeria | None |
| WoS | WOS:000281862300002 | The correlates of HIV testing and impacts on sexual behavior: evidence from a life history study of young people in Kisumu, Kenya | Izugbara, Chimaraoke O.,Kabiru, Caroline W.,Luke, Nancy,Zulu, Eliya M. | 2010 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 10 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-10-412 | Brown University, African Inst Dev Policy AFIDEP, African Populat & Hlth Res Ctr | "Luke, Nancy: Brown University", | Background: HIV counseling and testing is considered an important component of HIV prevention and treatment. This paper examines the characteristics of young males and females at the time of first reported HIV test, including the influence of recent sexual partnerships, and investigates how HIV testing and the cumulative number of tests are associated with sexual behaviors within six months of testing.
Methods: The study uses data from a random sample of youth aged 18-24 years living in Kisumu, Kenya, who were interviewed using a 10-year retrospective life history calendar. Cox regression models were used to examine the correlates of the timing of first HIV test. Variance-correction models for unordered repeated events were employed to examine whether having an HIV test in the previous six months and the cumulative number of tests predict unsafe sexual practices in a given month.
Results: Sixty-four percent of females and 55% of males reported at least one HIV test in the last 10 years and 40% of females were pregnant the month of first test. Significant correlates of first HIV test included marital aspirations among non-pregnant females, unprotected sex in the previous six months among pregnant females, and concurrency in the previous six months among males. Having a recent HIV test was associated with a decreased likelihood of unprotected sex among ever-pregnant females, an increased likelihood of unprotected sex and "risky" sexual partnerships among never-pregnant females, and an increased likelihood of concurrency among males. Repeated HIV testing was associated with a lower likelihood of concurrency among males and involvement in "risky" sexual partnerships among males and never-pregnant females.
Conclusions: The high rate of pregnancy at first test suggests that promotion of HIV testing as part of prevention of mother-to-child transmission is gaining success. Further research is warranted to examine how and why behavior change is influenced by client-versus provider-initiated testing. The influence of different sexual partnership variables for males and females suggests that interventions to assess risk and promote testing should be gender-and relationship-specific. The findings also suggest that encouraging repeat or routine testing could potentially increase the uptake of safer sexual behaviors. | ,ADOLESCENTS,BOTSWANA,CALENDAR,CLIENTS,"CONDOM USE",FERTILITY,HIGH-RISK,POPULATION,PREVALENCE,SERVICES | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892450011 | Evaluation of hepatotoxicity and clastogenicity of carbofuran in male Wistar rats | Gbadegesin M.A., Owumi S.E., Akinseye V., Odunola O.A. | 2014 | Food and Chemical Toxicology | 65 | None | 10.1016/j.fct.2013.12.034 | Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Gbadegesin, M.A., Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Owumi, S.E., Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Akinseye, V., Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Odunola, O.A., Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Carbofuran based pesticides have gained wide usage in Nigeria recently. Consequently, animals and human populations are exposed to them in the environment. Information on in vivo toxicity of carbofuran in experimental models is scanty. The present study therefore examined the hepatotoxicity and clastogenic effects of carbofuran in rats. Male Wistar rats were exposed to carbofuran (p.o) at 0-5mg/kg bw for 5weeks. Carbofuran induced significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase when compared with the negative control, but not activity of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferases. It also significantly (p<0.05) induced micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes formation in the bone marrow as compared with the control. The level of induction is dose dependent in both cases. In addition, there was significant (p<0.05) higher number of hepatic cells in the cell/mm2 assay for the group treated with carbofuran. Histopathological analysis of liver samples from the treated groups revealed lesions ranging from general congestion (portal, central venous and sinusoidal), mild periportal cellular infiltration, diffused sinusoidal congestion and hepatic necrosis to severe congestion. Findings from this study suggest that carbofuran has clastogenic and hepatotoxic effects in rats. It therefore may constitute an environmental health risks in individuals so exposed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Alanine aminotransferase; Carbamate; Carbofuran; Gamma gluthamyltransferase; Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) | carbofuran; alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; carbofuran; gamma glutamyltransferase; animal cell; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; cell assay; cell count; cell infiltration; chemical parameters; clastogenicity; controlled study; disease severity; enzyme activity; enzyme blood level; genotoxicity; health hazard; histopathology; liver cell; liver necrosis; liver toxicity; male; nonhuman; rat; alanine aminotransferase blood level; animal model; Article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; gamma glutamyl transferase blood level; liver weight; long term exposure; mutagenesis; weight change; Alanine aminotransferase; Carbamate; Carbofuran; Gamma gluthamyltransferase; Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs); Animals; Carbofuran; Liver; Male; Mutagens; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rattus norvegicus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953222801 | Testicular and Related Size Evaluations in Nigerian Sahel Goats with Optimal Cauda Epididymal Sperm Reserve | Abba Y., Igbokwe I.O. | 2015 | Veterinary Medicine International | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/357519 | Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang | Abba, Y., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Igbokwe, I.O., Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria | Testicular sizes of animals are important for identification of those with adequate sperm production. The aim of this study was to define the testicular and related size estimates that would be associated with optimal cauda epididymal sperm counts (ESC) in Sahel goats based on postmortem evaluations. A stratified quota sample population of 125 male goats inclusive of all testicular sizes was taken at a slaughterhouse in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The bucks were aged 18-30 months and weighed 17.04 ± 2.99 (12-25) kg. Body, testicular, and epididymal weights of each goat with other related size measurements were estimated. ESC was determined from homogenized tissue using a manual cytometer. At the cut-off ESC of >1.1 × 109 sperm heads, 66 (52.80%) of the goats had optimal ESC which was associated with testicular weight of 59.90 ± 16.10 (31.40-86.20) g, gonadosomatic index of 3.51 ± 0.69 (2.00-4.50) g/kg, and scrotal circumference of 19.07 ± 1.29 (17.00-21.80) cm. The size variables of the scrotum and testis correlated with one another and with the ESC. These findings provide data that may be used to anticipate adequate antemortem sperm reserve based on testicular size during preliminary selection of sires for breeding from a sexually mature Sahel buck population. © 2015 Y. Abba and I. O. Igbokwe. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919339002 | Evaluation of the indications and arrhythmic patterns of 24 hour Holter electrocardiography among hypertensive and diabetic patients seen at OAUTHC, lle-lfe Nigeria | Adebayo R.A., Ikwu A.N., Balogun M.O., Akintomide A.O., Mene-Afejuku T.O., Adeyeye V.O., Bamikole O.J., Bisiriyu L.A., Ajayi O.E., Ogunyemi S.A., Oketona O.A. | 2014 | Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy | 7 | None | 10.2147/DMSO.S68408 | Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria | Adebayo, R.A., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Ikwu, A.N., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Balogun, M.O., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Akintomide, A.O., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Mene-Afejuku, T.O., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Adeyeye, V.O., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Bamikole, O.J., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Bisiriyu, L.A., Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Ajayi, O.E., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Ogunyemi, S.A., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria; Oketona, O.A., Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, lle-lfe, Osun State, Nigeria | Background: There are very limited published studies in Nigeria on the use of 24 hour Holter electrocardiogram (Holter ECG) in the arrhythmic evaluation of hypertensive and diabetic patients.Objective: To evaluate indications, arrhythmic pattern of Holter ECG, and heart rate variability (HRV) among patients with hypertensive heart disease (HHD) with or without heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seen in our cardiac care unit.Methods: Seventy-nine patients (32 males and 47 females) were studied consecutively over a year using Schiller type (MT-101) Holter ECG machine.Results: Out of the 79 patients, 17 (21.5%) had HHD without heart failure, 33 (41.8%) had HHD with hypertensive heart failure (HHF), while 29 (36.7%) were T2DM patients. The mean (standard deviation) ages of HHD without heart failure, HHF and T2DM patients were 59.65 (±14.38), 65.15 (±14.30), and 54.66 (±8.88) respectively. The commonest indication for Holter ECG was palpitation (38%), followed by syncope (20.3%). Premature ventricular contraction was the commonest arrhythmic pattern among the 79 patients, especially among HHF patients. The HRV using standard deviation of all normal-normal intervals was significantly reduced inT2DM patients (81.03±26.33, confidence interval [CI] =71.02–91.05) compared to the HHD without heart failure (119.65±29.86, CI =104.30–135.00) and HHF (107.03±62.50, CI =84.00–129.19). There was a negative correlation between the duration of T2DM and HRV (r=–0.613).Conclusion: Palpitation was the commonest Holter ECG indication and premature ventricular contractions were the commonest arrhythmic pattern among our patients. HRV was reduced in T2DM patients compared with hypertensive patients. © 2014 Adebayo et al. | Arrhythmias; Diabetes mellitus; Holter electrocardiography; Hypertension; Nigerians | adult; aged; Article; autonomic neuropathy; clinical evaluation; controlled study; coronary care unit; correlational study; diabetes mellitus; disease association; dyspnea; faintness; female; heart arrhythmia; heart failure; heart palpitation; heart rate variability; heart ventricle extrasystole; Holter monitor; Holter monitoring; human; hypertension; major clinical study; male; middle aged; Nigeria; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; patient monitoring; sex ratio; symptomatology; thorax pain; treatment indication | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877264025 | Rheumatoid arthritis impacts on the independent relationships between circulating adiponectin concentrations and cardiovascular metabolic risk | Dessein P.H., Norton G.R., Badenhorst M., Woodiwiss A.J., Solomon A. | 2013 | Mediators of Inflammation | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/461849 | Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Department of Rheumatology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Dessein, P.H., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Norton, G.R., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Badenhorst, M., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Woodiwiss, A.J., Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Melville 2109, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Solomon, A., Department of Rheumatology, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa | Adiponectin and leptin are likely involved in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and therefore potential new therapeutic targets. Adiponectin inhibition could be expected to enhance cardiovascular metabolic risk. However, it is unknown whether RA changes the influence of adipokines on cardiovascular metabolic risk. We determined whether RA impacts on the independent relationships of circulating leptin and adiponectin concentrations with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in 277 black African subjects from a developing population; 119 had RA. RA impacted on the relationships of adiponectin concentrations with lipid concentrations and blood pressure, independent of confounders including adiposity (interaction P < 0.05). This translated into an association of adiponectin concentrations with more favorable lipid variables including HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0005), non-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.007), and triglyceride (P = 0.005) concentrations, total cholesterol-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0002) and triglycerides-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0003) ratios, and higher systolic (P = 0.0006), diastolic (P = 0.0004), and mean blood pressure (P = 0.0007) in RA but not non-RA subjects. Leptin was not associated with metabolic risk after adjustment for adiposity. The cIMT did not differ by RA status, and adipokine concentrations were unrelated to atherosclerosis. This study suggests that leptin and adiponectin inhibition may not alter overall cardiovascular risk and disease in RA. © 2013 Patrick H. Dessein et al. | None | adiponectin; angiotensin receptor antagonist; antidiabetic agent; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; C reactive protein; calcium channel blocking agent; cholesterol; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase inhibitor; glucose; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor; insulin; leptin; nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; triacylglycerol; adipocytokine; adiponectin; high density lipoprotein cholesterol; leptin; adipocytokine; adult; alcohol consumption; antihypertensive therapy; arterial wall thickness; article; body mass; cardiometabolic risk; carotid atherosclerosis; cholesterol blood level; correlational study; diastolic blood pressure; exercise; female; glucose blood level; human; major clinical study; male; mean arterial pressure; obesity; priority journal; protein blood level; rheumatoid arthritis; risk assessment; smoking; systolic blood pressure; triacylglycerol blood level; waist circumference; waist hip ratio; aged; arterial pressure; atherosclerosis; blood; cardiovascular disease; carotid artery disease; middle aged; physiology; rheumatoid arthritis; risk factor; blood; cardiovascular disease; Adipokines; Adiponectin; Aged; Arterial Pressure; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cholesterol, HDL; Female; Humans; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Adipokines; Adiponectin; Aged; Arterial Pressure; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cholesterol, HDL; Female; Humans; Leptin; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-47649116754 | Evaluation of light microscopy and rapid diagnostic test for the detection of malaria under operational field conditions: A household survey in Ethiopia | Endeshaw T., Gebre T., Ngondi J., Graves P.M., Shargie E.B., Ejigsemahu Y., Ayele B., Yohannes G., Teferi T., Messele A., Zerihun M., Genet A., Mosher A.W., Emerson P.M., Richards F.O. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-118 | Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom | Endeshaw, T., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Gebre, T., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ngondi, J., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Graves, P.M., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Shargie, E.B., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ejigsemahu, Y., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Ayele, B., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Yohannes, G., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Teferi, T., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Messele, A., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Zerihun, M., Carter Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Genet, A., Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Mosher, A.W., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Emerson, P.M., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Richards, F.O., Carter Center, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background. In most resource-poor settings, malaria is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms and not by detection of parasites in the blood using microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). In population-based malaria surveys, accurate diagnosis is important: microscopy provides the gold standard, whilst RDTs allow immediate findings and treatment. The concordance between RDTs and microscopy in low or unstable transmission areas has not been evaluated. Objectives. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of malaria parasites in randomly selected malarious areas of Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' (SNNP) regions of Ethiopia, using microscopy and RDT, and to investigate the agreement between microscopy and RDT under field conditions. Methods. A population-based survey was conducted in 224 randomly selected clusters of 25 households each in Amhara, Oromia and SNNP regions, between December 2006 and February 2007. Fingerpick blood samples from all persons living in even-numbered households were tested using two methods: light microscopy of Giemsa-stained blood slides; and RDT (ParaScreen device for Pan/Pf). Results. A total of 13,960 people were eligible for malaria parasite testing of whom 11,504 (82%) were included in the analysis. Overall slide positivity rate was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4-5.0%) while ParaScreen RDT was positive in 3.3% (95% CI 2.6-4.1%) of those tested. Considering microscopy as the gold standard, ParaScreen RDT exhibited high specificity (98.5%; 95% CI 98.3-98.7) and moderate sensitivity (47.5%; 95% CI 42.8-52.2) with a positive predictive value of 56.8% (95% CI 51.7-61.9) and negative predictive value of 97.6% (95% CI 97.6-98.1%) under field conditions. Conclusion. Blood slide microscopy remains the preferred option for population-based prevalence surveys of malaria parasitaemia. The level of agreement between microscopy and RDT warrants further investigation in different transmission settings and in the clinical situation. © 2008 Endeshaw et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; blood sampling; confidence interval; controlled study; diagnostic test; Ethiopia; evaluation; female; health survey; household; human; major clinical study; malaria; male; microscopy; Plasmodium; prevalence; sensitivity and specificity; animal; blood; chromatography; epidemiology; Ethiopia; family size; immunoassay; isolation and purification; malaria falciparum; methodology; parasitology; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; prediction and forecasting; time; parasite antigen; Adult; Animals; Antigens, Protozoan; Blood; Blood Specimen Collection; Chromatography; Ethiopia; Family Characteristics; Female; Health Care Surveys; Humans; Immunoassay; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; Male; Microscopy; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Sensitivity and Specificity; Time Factors | None |
| WoS | WOS:000271954100013 | A Critical Analysis of the Social and Economic Impact of Asian Diaspora in Kenya | Afolabi, N,Akala, Winston Jumba,Falola, T,Kiruthu, Felix,Ogino, Francis | 2007 | TRANS-ATLANTIC MIGRATION: THE PARADOXES OF EXILE | None | None | None | Catholic University of Eastern Africa, University of Nairobi | "Akala, Winston Jumba: Catholic University of Eastern Africa","Kiruthu, Felix: University of Nairobi","Ogino, Francis: University of Nairobi" | None | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34247116067 | Role of the data safety and monitoring board in an international trial | Caceres C.F., Celentano D.D., Coates T.J., Hartwell T.D., Kasprzyk D., Kelly J.A., Kozlov A.P., Pequegnat W., Rotheram-Borus M.J., Solomon S., Woelk G., Wu Z. | 2007 | AIDS | 21 | None | 10.1097/01.aids.0000266462.33891.0b | Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Costa Rica; Johns Hopkins University, United States; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States; RTI International, United States; Medical College of Wisconsin, United States; Biomedical Center, St. Petersburg State University, Russian Federation; National Institute of Mental Health; UCLA, United States; YRG Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRG CARE), India; University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Zimbabwe; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China | Caceres, C.F., Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Costa Rica; Celentano, D.D., Johns Hopkins University, United States; Coates, T.J., David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States; Hartwell, T.D., RTI International, United States; Kasprzyk, D.; Kelly, J.A., Medical College of Wisconsin, United States; Kozlov, A.P., Biomedical Center, St. Petersburg State University, Russian Federation; Pequegnat, W., National Institute of Mental Health; Rotheram-Borus, M.J., UCLA, United States; Solomon, S., YRG Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRG CARE), India; Woelk, G., University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Zimbabwe; Wu, Z., Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China | OBJECTIVE: To describe the composition and role of the data safety and monitoring board (DSMB) for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Collaborative HIV/STD Prevention Trial. DESIGN: NIMH appointed to the DSMB nine members representing the following areas of expertise: prevention science, ethnography, infectious diseases (especially HIV and sexually transmitted diseases), laboratory diagnostics, clinical practice, methodology, international trial experience, statistics, and ethics. METHODS: The DSMB assessed the overall study for any concern about plans or implementation and reviewed cumulative study data to evaluate the safety of study participants, the ongoing conduct of the study, and the scientific validity and integrity of the Trial. Because of the Trial's international scope, the DSMB examined the effects of cultural differences on study implementation and fidelity. RESULTS: Among the DSMB recommendations that strengthened the Trial was one to conduct initial epidemiological studies of the venues selected for the intervention to verify risk and to establish intraclass correlation coefficients that could be used to calculate appropriate sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The DSMB played a critical role in this Trial. Because members have the expertise required to monitor the Trial, are not involved in the daily management of the Trial, and can review interim analyses and adverse event reports, they are in an excellent position to provide expert advice to ensure that the Trial's goals are achieved and that NIH funds are well invested. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. | Community popular opinion leader; Data safety and monitoring board; HIV; Sexually transmitted diseases | article; clinical practice; cultural factor; data analysis; ethics; ethnography; health care organization; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection; laboratory test; medical research; methodology; monitoring; policy; priority journal; sample size; sexually transmitted disease; statistical analysis; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; China; Clinical Trials Data Monitoring Committees; Community Networks; Confidentiality; Data Collection; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; India; International Cooperation; Male; Multicenter Studies; National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.); Peru; Randomized Controlled Trials; Research Design; Risk Reduction Behavior; Russia; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; United States; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84919329559 | Severity and impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life of adolescents in Nigeria | Ogedegbe E.E., Henshaw E.B. | 2014 | Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology | 7 | None | 10.2147/CCID.S73302 | Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, University of CalabarCross river state, Nigeria | Ogedegbe, E.E., Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria; Henshaw, E.B., Department of Medicine, University of CalabarCross river state, Nigeria | Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition, which affects most adolescents at some point in their lives. It has been found to have a signifcant impact on their psychological well-being and has been associated with depression and suicide ideation. Many studies have assessed the impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life (QoL) in different population subgroups around the world, but there is a dearth of reports from the African subcontinent. This study thus seeks to assess the severity of acne vulgaris and determine its effect on the QoL of adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods: In a cross-sectional survey employing a two-stage sampling method, the severity of acne vulgaris and its impact on the QoL of adolescents attending a senior secondary school in Lagos, Nigeria was assessed using the Global Acne Grading Scale (GAGS) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), respectively. The correlation between the results of the GAGS and CADI was also determined.Results: One hundred and sixty adolescent students with acne were recruited, with males accounting for 51.9% and females 48.1%. The mean and standard deviation of the GAGS severity scores were 11.3±5.4 for males and 11.9±5.4 for females. Only one student had severe acne vulgaris (GAGS, 31–38), 10% moderate (GAGS, 19–30), and 89.4% mild (GAGS, 1–18). The overall CADI score was 3.4±3.0, which suggests mild impairment in QoL; however, the solitary student with severe acne had severe QoL impairment. There was a weak positive correlation between the GAGS and the CADI score.Conclusion: Most adolescents in our study had mild acne vulgaris, and the overall impact on their QoL was mild. However, the correlation between the psychosocial impact and acne severity was weak. There is a need for similar studies in other parts of the country and for further studies to determine the adequacy of the existing instruments in assessing the impact of acne vulgaris in Nigerian adolescents © 2014 Ogedegbe and Henshaw. | CADI; GAGS; Psychosocial impact; Skin disease; Teenage dermatosis | steroid; acne vulgaris; adolescent; Article; Cardiff Acne Disability Index; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease severity; emotion; female; Global Acne Grading Scale; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; psychological aspect; quality of life; scoring system; sex difference; social interaction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77950236868 | Evaluation of cost-effective total nucleic acids extraction protocols for cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis; A comparison by PCR amplification of genes associated with drug resistance | Awua A.K., Doe E.D., Gyamfi O.K. | 2010 | BMC Research Notes | 3 | None | 10.1186/1756-0500-3-48 | Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Awua, A.K., Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Doe, E.D., Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana; Gyamfi, O.K., Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon-Accra, Ghana | Background: The emergence of drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has made the management of tuberculosis difficult. Also, Mycobacterium species has a peculiar cell wall, made of an impermeable complex structure rich in mycolate, making the lyses of its cell difficult. In order to apply a radio-labelled-probe based detection of mutations in selected genes leading to drug resistance, we concede that the evaluation and modifications of nucleic acid extraction protocols that are less sophisticated and less prone to contamination would be useful in the management of tuberculosis in a resource-constrained setting. Findings. The average amount of nucleic acids was determined for different extraction treatments. High temperature treatment only, yielded the lowest amount of nucleic acids, i.e. 15.7 ± 3.2 μg. The average amount of nucleic acids obtained with the addition of TE and triton-X100, was 133.7 ± 8.9 μg, while that obtained with the addition of TE only, and TE and SDS were 68.4 ± 22.7 μg and 70.4 ± 20.3 μg respectively. Other treatments yielded 28.8 ± 6.7 μg, 32.5 ± 2.4 g and 36.9 ± 15.5 μg. The average amount of nucleic acids obtained with high temperature treatment in TE, and that obtained by freezing prior to high temperature treatment, successfully amplified for the genes of interest (rpoB, KatG, rrs). Conclusion. We strongly recommend the use of 1× TE buffer, and freezing and heating for improved lysis of cultured M. tuberculosis, and therefore, as an effective method for the preparation of M. tuberculosis nucleic acid useful for PCR. © 2010 Awua et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex | None |
| None | None | Potential impact of host immunity on malaria treatment outcome in Tanzanian children infected with Plasmodium falciparum | Enevold A., Nkya W.M.M.M., Theisen M., Vestergaard L.S., Jensen A.T., Staalsoe T., Theander T.G., Bygbjerg I.C., Alifrangis M. | 2007 | Malaria Journal | 6 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-6-153 | Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH), Mbeya, Tanzania; Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark | Enevold, A., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Nkya, W.M.M.M., Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH), Mbeya, Tanzania; Theisen, M., Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Vestergaard, L.S., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark, Department of Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; Jensen, A.T., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Staalsoe, T., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Theander, T.G., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Bygbjerg, I.C., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Alifrangis, M., Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Background. In malaria endemic areas children may recover from malaria after chemotherapy in spite of harbouring genotypically drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. This phenomenon suggests that there is a synergy between drug treatment and acquired immunity. This hypothesis was examined in an area of moderately intense transmission of P. falciparum in Tanzania during a drug trail with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) or amodiaquine (AQ). Methods. One hundred children with uncomplicated malaria were treated with either SP or AQ and followed for 28 days. Mutations in parasite genes related to SP and AQ-resistance as well as human sickle cell trait and alpha-thalassaemia were determined using PCR and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SSOP-ELISA), and IgG antibody responses to a panel of P. falciparum antigens were assessed and related to treatment outcome. Results. Parasitological or clinical treatment failure (TF) was observed in 68% and 38% of children receiving SP or AQ, respectively. In those with adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) compared to children with TF, and for both treatment regimens, prevalence and levels of anti-Glutamate-rich Protein (GLURP)-specific IgG antibodies were significantly higher (P < 0.001), while prevalence of parasite haplotypes associated with SP and AQ resistance was lower (P = 0.02 and P = 0.07, respectively). Interestingly, anti-GLURP-IgG antibodies were more strongly associated with treatment outcome than parasite resistant haplotypes, while the IgG responses to none of the other 11 malaria antigens were not significantly associated with ACPR. Conclusion. These findings suggest that GLURP-specific IgG antibodies in this setting contribute to clearance of drug-resistant infections and support the hypothesis that acquired immunity enhances the clinical efficacy of drug therapy. The results should be confirmed in larger scale with greater sample size and with variation in transmission intensity. © 2007 Enevold et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | amodiaquine; fansidar; immunoglobulin G; protein antibody; glutamate rich protein, Plasmodium; glutamate-rich protein, Plasmodium; protozoal protein; protozoon antibody; pyrimethamine; sulfadoxine; sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine; unclassified drug; alpha thalassemia; antibody response; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; female; gene mutation; haplotype; human; infant; major clinical study; malaria falciparum; male; oligonucleotide probe; parasite immunity; Plasmodium falciparum; polymerase chain reaction; preschool child; prevalence; randomized controlled trial; sickle cell trait; Tanzania; treatment failure; treatment outcome; animal; blood; drug combination; drug effect; drug resistance; genetics; immunocompetence; immunology; methodology; Amodiaquine; Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Child, Preschool; Drug Combinations; Drug Resistance; Female; Humans; Immunocompetence; Immunoglobulin G; Infant; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Plasmodium falciparum; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protozoan Proteins; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Tanzania; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856804402 | Modeling variable river flow velocity on continental scale: Current situation and climate change impacts in Europe | Verzano K., Bärlund I., Flörke M., Lehner B., Kynast E., Voß F., Alcamo J. | 2012 | Journal of Hydrology | None | None | 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.01.005 | Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada; United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | Verzano, K., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Bärlund, I., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Flörke, M., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Lehner, B., Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 2K6, Canada; Kynast, E., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Voß, F., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany; Alcamo, J., Center for Environmental Systems Research (CESR), University of Kassel, Kurt-Wolters-Str. 3, 34109 Kassel, Germany, United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya | This paper introduces an approach to route discharge with a variable river flow velocity based on the Manning-Strickler formula within large scale hydrological models. The approach has been developed for the global scale hydrological model WaterGAP and model results have been analyzed focusing on Europe. The goal was to find a method that is simple enough to derive the required parameters from globally available data while being sophisticated enough to deliver realistic flow velocity estimates for a large variety of environmental conditions. The river bed roughness (Manning's n) is approximated in a spatially explicit way based on topography, the location of urban population, and river sinuosity. The hydraulic radius is estimated from actual river discharge, and river bed slope is derived by combining a high resolution DEM, a 5. arc min drainage direction map, and river sinuosity. The modeled river flow velocity has been validated against data of US gauging stations. The representation of lateral transport has clearly been improved compared to the constant flow velocity applied in older model versions. The effect of incorporating variable flow velocities as compared to a constant flow velocity is largest on flood discharge, which generally increases in large rivers. The impact on monthly discharge hydrographs is marginal only. WaterGAP has been driven by three climate change projections for the 2050s to assess climate change impacts on flow velocity, and on the residence time of water in the European river system. Results indicate a decrease in residence times for Northern Europe and an increase for parts of the Mediterranean. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Climate change; Manning's n; Manning-Strickler; Residence time; River flow velocity; WaterGAP | Climate change impact; Climate change projections; Constant flow; Continental scale; Current situation; Environmental conditions; Flood discharge; Gauging stations; Global scale; High-resolution DEM; Hydraulic radius; Hydrographs; Hydrological models; Large rivers; Large scale hydrological model; Lateral transport; Manning-Strickler; Model results; Residence time; River bed; River discharge; River systems; Spatially explicit; Urban population; Variable flow velocity; Velocity-based; WaterGAP; Climate change; Hydrology; Rivers; Stream flow; Flow velocity; bed roughness; climate change; environmental conditions; flow velocity; gauge; hydrograph; hydrological modeling; model validation; parameterization; residence time; river bed; river discharge; river flow; river system; Europe; Mediterranean Region | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900403718 | Investigation into the mineralogy and flotation performance of oxidised PGM ore | Becker M., Wiese J., Ramonotsi M. | 2014 | Minerals Engineering | 65 | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.04.009 | Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Pilanesberg Platinum Mines, Centurion, South Africa | Becker, M., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Wiese, J., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Ramonotsi, M., Pilanesberg Platinum Mines, Centurion, South Africa | The 2.05 Ga Bushveld Complex in South Africa, host to many lucrative ore deposits, is surprisingly pristine and unaltered given its geological age. In some areas, however, there is evidence of low temperature weathering, alteration and oxidation, most commonly observed when the ore is near surface. The Pilanesburg Platinum Mines (PPM) operation in South Africa treats ore from an open pit and routinely suffers from low and erratic platinum group element (PGE) flotation recoveries. This study investigates the effect of oxidation on the mineralogy and flotation performance of PPM "silicate reef" ore and evaluates the effect of alkyl hydroxamate (AM 28) and controlled potential sulfidisation (CPS with NaHS) as a means to improve the poor flotation performance of the oxidised ore. Oxidised PPM ore is characterised by high contents of alteration minerals resulting in abundant naturally floating gangue (NFG), high contents of Fe-oxides/hydroxides and negligible base metal sulfides. Small improvements in PGE recovery with the addition of the hydroxamate co-collector with CPS or without it are more due to the high froth stability and increased water recovery rather than any selective action of the collector. The distinctly higher Pt recovery relative to Pd recovery is linked to the mobilisation and redistribution of Pd during the oxidation of the ore. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Oxidation; Platinum ore; Process mineralogy | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880666796 | Exploring different forest definitions and their impact on developing REDD+ reference emission levels: A case study for Indonesia | Romijn E., Ainembabazi J.H., Wijaya A., Herold M., Angelsen A., Verchot L., Murdiyarso D. | 2013 | Environmental Science and Policy | 33 | None | 10.1016/j.envsci.2013.06.002 | Center for International Forestry Research, Jl. CIFOR, Situgede, Bogor 16115, Indonesia; International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Po Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University, Po Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands; School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Po Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway | Romijn, E., Center for International Forestry Research, Jl. CIFOR, Situgede, Bogor 16115, Indonesia; Ainembabazi, J.H., International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Po Box 7878, Kampala, Uganda; Wijaya, A., Center for International Forestry Research, Jl. CIFOR, Situgede, Bogor 16115, Indonesia; Herold, M., Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University, Po Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands; Angelsen, A., School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Po Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway; Verchot, L., Center for International Forestry Research, Jl. CIFOR, Situgede, Bogor 16115, Indonesia; Murdiyarso, D., Center for International Forestry Research, Jl. CIFOR, Situgede, Bogor 16115, Indonesia | Developing countries participating in the mitigation mechanism of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+), need to determine a national forest reference emission level (REL) as part of their national monitoring system, which serves as a benchmark to measure the impact of their REDD+ actions. Using data from Indonesia, we show that the choice of a forest definition can have a large impact on estimates of deforestation and forest degradation areas, on assessment of drivers of deforestation and on the development of a REL. The total area of deforestation between 2000 and 2009 was 4.9 million ha when using the FAO definition, 18% higher when using a 'natural forest definition' and 27% higher when using the national definition. Using the national and natural forest definitions, large areas (>50%) were classified as shrubland after deforestation. We used regression models to predict future deforestation. Deforestation was much better predicted than degradation (R2 of 0.81 vs. 0.52), with the natural forest definition giving the best prediction. Apart from historical deforestation and initial forest cover, gross domestic product and human population were important predictors of future deforestation in Indonesia. Degradation processes were less well modeled and predictions relied on estimates of historical degradation and forest cover. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Deforestation drivers; Degradation; Forest greenhouse gases emissions; Monitoring; Tropical forest | article; carbon footprint; case study; controlled study; deforestation; degradation; environmental impact; forest; greenhouse gas; gross national product; Indonesia; priority journal; scrub; tropical rain forest | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84938299459 | DDT and pyrethroid resistance status and laboratory evaluation of bio-efficacy of long lasting insecticide treated nets against Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex decens in Ghana | Kudom A.A., Mensah B.A., Froeschl G., Rinder H., Boakye D. | 2015 | Acta Tropica | 150 | None | 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.009 | Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany; Department of Entomology and Wildlife, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Oberschleissheim, Germany; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana | Kudom, A.A., Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany, Department of Entomology and Wildlife, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Mensah, B.A., Department of Entomology and Wildlife, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Froeschl, G., Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany; Rinder, H., Center for International Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Germany, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Oberschleissheim, Germany; Boakye, D., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Ghana | Nuisance from Culex mosquitoes in Ghana has a serious negative impact on the standard of living in many urban communities. In addition, a perceived lack of efficacy of long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) against nuisance mosquitoes contributes to their discontinued use. This again compromises malaria control, even if Anopheles species themselves would still be susceptible to the insecticides used. Control strategies involve pyrethroid insecticides but information on Culex mosquito susceptibility to these insecticides is limited. A nationwide survey was conducted to address this problem. In adults, susceptibility to permethrin, deltamethrin and DDT as well as enzyme activity and kdr mutation were determined. Cone and tunnel bioassay were also carried out to determine the efficacy of LLINs against the mosquitoes. Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex decens were identified in the study area. Higher deltamethrin and DDT resistance and relatively low permethrin resistance were observed in both species. High enzyme activities and kdr mutations were observed in C. quinquefasciatus but not in C. decens. However, reduced efficacy of LLINs was observed in both mosquito species. This adds up to the evidence of the spread of pyrethroid resistance in mosquitoes and its negative impact on control strategies. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Culex; Kdr mutation; Malaria; Pyrethroid; Resistance; Urban | chlorphenotane; cytochrome P450; deltamethrin; esterase; genomic DNA; glutathione transferase; insecticide; permethrin; pyrethroid; unspecific monooxygenase; bioassay; DDT; disease control; disease spread; enzyme activity; malaria; mosquito; pyrethroid; Anopheles gambiae; Article; bioassay; controlled study; Culex; Culex decens; Culex quinquefasciatus; enzyme activity; gene; gene mutation; Ghana; kdr gene; laboratory test; malaria control; nonhuman; polymerase chain reaction; urban population; Ghana; Culex decens; Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus | None |
| None | None | The impact of global health initiatives on trust in health care provision under extreme resource scarcity: presenting an agenda for debate from a case study of emergency obstetric care in Northern Tanzania | Olsen T.E. | 2010 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 8 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-8-14 | Center for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7024, N-5020, Norway; Primary Health Care Institute, Iringa, Tanzania for DBL - Center for Health Research and Development, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Haydom Lutheran Hospital, P.O. Mbulu, Tanzania | Olsen, T.E., Center for International Health, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7024, N-5020, Norway, Primary Health Care Institute, Iringa, Tanzania for DBL - Center for Health Research and Development, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, P.O. Mbulu, Tanzania | Background: Through the nearly three decades that have passed since the Alma Ata conference on Primary Health Care, a wide range of global health initiatives and ideas have been advocated to improve the health of people living in developing countries. The issues raised in the Primary Health Care concept, the Structural Adjustment Programmes and the Health Sector Reforms have all influenced health service delivery. Increasingly however, health systems in developing countries are being described as having collapsed Do the advocated frameworks contribute to this collapse through not adequately including population trust as a determinant of the revival of health services, or are they primarily designed to satisfy the values of other actors within the health care system? This article argues there is an urgent need to challenge common thinking on health care provision under extreme resource scarcity.Methods: This article sets out to discuss and analyze the described collapse of health services through a brief case study on provision of Emergency Obstetric Care in Northern Tanzania.Results: The article argues that post the Alma Ata conference on Primary Health Care developments in global health initiatives have not been successful in incorporating population trust into the frameworks, instead focusing narrowly on expert-driven solutions through concepts such as prevention and interventions. The need for quantifiable results has pushed international policy makers and donors towards vertical programmes, intervention approaches, preventive services and quantity as the coverage parameter. Health systems have consequently been pushed away from generalized horizontal care, curative services and quality assurance, all important determinants of trust.Conclusions: Trust can be restored, and to further this objective a new framework is proposed placing generalized services and individual curative care in the centre of the health sector policy domain. Preventive services are important, but should increasingly be handled by other sectors in a service focused health care system. To facilitate such a shift in focus we should acknowledge that limited resources are available and accept the conflict between population demand and expert opinion, with the aim of providing legitimate, accountable and trustworthy services through fair, deliberative, dynamic and incremental processes. A discussion of the acceptable level of quality, given the available resources, can then be conducted. The article presents for debate that an increased focus on quality and accountability to secure trust is an important precondition for enabling the political commitment to mobilize necessary resources to the health sector. © 2010 Olsen; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; developing country; emergency care; health care delivery; health care facility; health care policy; health care quality; health care system; health care utilization; obstetric care; primary health care; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954319870 | Evaluation of genome wide association study associated type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci in sub Saharan Africans | Adeyemo A.A., Tekola-Ayele F., Doumatey A.P., Bentley A.R., Chen G., Huang H., Zhou J., Shriner D., Fasanmade O., Okafor G., Eghan B., Jr., Agyenim-Boateng K., Adeleye J., Balogun W., Elkahloun A., Chandrasekharappa S., Owusu S., Amoah A., Acheampong J., | 2015 | Frontiers in Genetics | 6 | None | 10.3389/fgene.2015.00335 | Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; National Human Genome Center, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States | Adeyemo, A.A., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Tekola-Ayele, F., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Doumatey, A.P., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Bentley, A.R., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Chen, G., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Huang, H., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Zhou, J., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Shriner, D., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Fasanmade, O., Department of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Okafor, G., Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Eghan, B., Jr., Department of Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Agyenim-Boateng, K., Department of Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Adeleye, J., Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Balogun, W., Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Elkahloun, A., National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Chandrasekharappa, S., National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Owusu, S., Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Amoah, A., Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana; Acheampong, J., Department of Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Johnson, T., Department of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Oli, J., Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Adebamowo, C., Institute of Human Virology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States; Collins, F., National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Dunston, G., National Human Genome Center, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States; Rotimi, C.N., Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Genome wide association studies (GWAS) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) undertaken in European and Asian ancestry populations have yielded dozens of robustly associated loci. However, the genomics of T2D remains largely understudied in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where rates of T2D are increasing dramatically and where the environmental background is quite different than in these previous studies. Here, we evaluate 106 reported T2D GWAS loci in continental Africans. We tested each of these SNPs, and SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with these index SNPs, for an association with T2D in order to assess transferability and to fine map the loci leveraging the generally reduced LD of African genomes. The study included 1775 unrelated Africans (1035 T2D cases, 740 controls; mean age 54 years; 59% female) enrolled in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya as part of the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) study. All samples were genotyped on the Affymetrix Axiom PanAFR SNP array. Forty-one of the tested loci showed transferability to this African sample (p < 0.05, same direction of effect), 11 at the exact reported SNP and 30 others at SNPs in LD with the reported SNP (after adjustment for the number of tested SNPs). TCF7L2 SNP rs7903146 was the most significant locus in this study (p = 1.61 × 10-8). Most of the loci that showed transferability were successfully fine-mapped, i.e., localized to smaller haplotypes than in the original reports. The findings indicate that the genetic architecture of T2D in SSA is characterized by several risk loci shared with non-African ancestral populations and that data from African populations may facilitate fine mapping of risk loci. The study provides an important resource for meta-analysis of African ancestry populations and transferability of novel loci. © 2015 Adeyemo, Tekola-Ayele, Doumatey, Bentley, Chen, Huang, Zhou, Shriner, Fasanmade, Okafor, Eghan, Agyenim-Boateng, Adeleye, Balogun, Elkahloun, Chandrasekharappa, Owusu, Amoah, Acheampong, Johnson, Oli, Adebamowo, Collins, Dunston and Rotimi. | Fine-mapping; Genetic association; Replication; Sub Saharan Africa; Type 2 diabetes | cholesterol; glucose; triacylglycerol; adult; Africa south of the Sahara; anthropometry; Article; blood analysis; controlled study; female; gene linkage disequilibrium; gene locus; gene mapping; genetic association; genetic susceptibility; genotype; human; major clinical study; male; middle aged; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; single nucleotide polymorphism | None |
| None | None | Evaluation of two counterflow traps for testing behaviour-mediating compounds for the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. under semi-field conditions in Tanzania | Schmied W.H., Takken W., Killeen G.F., Knols B.G.J., Smallegange R.C. | 2008 | Malaria Journal | 7 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-7-230 | Center of Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Entomology Unit, Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands; School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom | Schmied, W.H., Center of Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Entomology Unit, Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania; Takken, W., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands; Killeen, G.F., Entomology Unit, Ifakara Health Research and Development Center, Ifakara, Tanzania, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; Knols, B.G.J., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands; Smallegange, R.C., Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Center, P.O. Box 8031, 6700 EH Wageningen, Netherlands | Background. Evaluation of mosquito responses towards different trap-bait combinations in field trials is a time-consuming process that can be shortened by experiments in contained semi-field systems. Possible use of the BG Sentinel (BGS) trap to sample Anopheles gambiae s.s. was evaluated. The efficiency of this trap was compared with that of the Mosquito Magnet-X (MM-X) trap, when baited with foot odour alone or combinations of foot odour with carbon dioxide (CO2) or lemongrass as behaviour-modifying cues. Methods. Female An. gambiae s.s. were released in an experimental flight arena that was placed in a semi-field system and left overnight. Catch rates for the MM-X and BGS traps were recorded. Data were analysed by fitting a generalized linear model to the (n+1) transformed catches. Results. Both types of traps successfully captured mosquitoes with all odour cues used. When the BGS trap was tested against the MM-X trap in a choice assay with foot odour as bait, the BGS trap caught about three times as many mosquitoes as the MM-X trap (P = 0.002). Adding CO 2(500 ml/min) to foot odour increased the number of mosquitoes caught by 268% for the MM-X (P < 0.001) and 34% (P = 0.051) for the BGS trap, compared to foot odour alone. When lemongrass leaves were added to foot odour, mosquito catches were reduced by 39% (BGS, P < 0.001) and 38% (MM-X, P = 0.353), respectively. Conclusion. The BGS trap shows high potential for field trials due to its simple construction and high catch rate when baited with human foot odour only. However, for rapid screening of different baits in a contained semi-field system, the superior discriminatory power of the MM-X trap is advantageous. © 2008 Schmied et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | carbon dioxide; carbon dioxide; chemotactic factor; Anopheles gambiae; article; controlled study; Cymbopogon citratus; disease carrier; female; malaria; nonhuman; odor; Tanzania; animal; animal behavior; comparative study; drug effect; human; mosquito; Animals; Anopheles gambiae; Behavior, Animal; Carbon Dioxide; Chemotactic Factors; Female; Humans; Mosquito Control; Odors; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909983185 | Synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of dihydroartemisinyl-chalcone esters | Smit F.J., Van Biljon R.A., Birkholtz L.-M., N'da D.D. | 2014 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 90 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.11.016 | Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Smit, F.J., Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Van Biljon, R.A., Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Birkholtz, L.-M., Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Sustainable Malaria Control, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; N'da, D.D., Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | A series of dihydroartemisinyl-chalcone esters were synthesized through esterification of chalcones with dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The hybrids were screened against chloroquine (CQ) sensitive (3D7) and CQ resistant (W2) strains of intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum parasites, and were all found to be active, with IC<inf>50</inf> values ranging between 1.5 and 11 nM against both strains, with SI values over 5800. The esters featuring oxygenated aryl rings (7, 10 and 11), were found to be equipotent to DHA, but were 2-3 times more active than artesunate against the 3D7 and W2 strains of the malaria parasites. They were also screened in vitro against a panel of three cancer cell lines consisting of TK-10, UACC-62 and MCF-7. Compound 7, bearing a furan ring, displayed the most potent overall antitumor activity against all three cancer cell lines. TGA revealed that the targeted hybrids were all thermally more stable than DHA, which may be beneficial to the high temperature storage conditions that prevail in malaria endemic countries. During this study, ester 7 was identified as the best candidate for further investigation as a potential drug in search for new, safe and effective antimalarial drugs. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. | Antitumor; Chalcone; Dihydroartemisinin; Malaria; Plasmodium falciparum | 10 aplha dihydroartemisinyl 4 [(1e) 3 (5 methylfuran 2 yl) 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoate; 10 beta dihydroartemisinyl 4 [[(1e) 3 oxo 3 (2,3,4 trichlorophenyl)]prop 1 en yl]benzoate; 10 dihydroartemisinyl 4 [(1e) 3 oxo 3 phenylprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoate; 10 dihydroartemisinyl 4 [[(1e) 3 (2,4 dimethoxyphenyl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoate; 10 dihydroartemisinyl 4 [[(1e) 3 (3 methoxy 4 nitrophenyl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoate; 10 dihydroartemisinyl 4 [[(1e) 3 (3,4 dimethoxyphenyl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoate; 4 [(1e) 3 oxo 3 phenylprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoic acid; 4 [[(1e) 3 (2,4 dimethoxyphenyl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoic acid; 4 [[(1e) 3 (3 methoxy 4 nitrophenyl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoic acid; 4 [[(1e) 3 (3,4 dimethoxyphenyl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoic acid; 4 [[(1e) 3 (5 methylfuran 2 yl)] 3 oxoprop 1 en 1 yl]benzoic acid; 4 [[(1e) 3 oxo 3 (2,3,4 trichlorophenyl)]prop 1 en 1 yl]benzoic acid; antimalarial agent; antineoplastic agent; artesunate; chalcone derivative; chloroquine; dihydroartemisinin; dihydroartemisinin derivative; dihydroartemisinyl chalcone ester; ester derivative; furan; unclassified drug; antimalarial agent; antineoplastic agent; artemisinin derivative; chalcone; ester; antimalarial activity; antineoplastic activity; Article; cancer cell line; controlled study; drug screening; drug stability; drug storage; drug synthesis; high temperature; human; human cell; IC50; in vitro study; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; storage temperature; structure activity relation; cell proliferation; chemical structure; chemistry; dose response; drug effects; drug sensitivity; MCF 7 cell line; synthesis; tumor cell line; Antimalarials; Antineoplastic Agents; Artemisinins; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Chalcone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Esters; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Molecular Structure; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Plasmodium falciparum; Structure-Activity Relationship | NRF, UID 76443, National Research Foundation |
| WoS | WOS:000339283500001 | The impact of home-based HIV counseling and testing on care-seeking and incidence of common infectious disease syndromes in rural western Kenya | Ackers, Marta,Amolloh, Manase,Audi, Allan,Aura, Barrack,Bigogo, Godfrey,Breiman, Robert F.,Burton, Deron,Dalal, Warren,Feikin, Daniel R.,Laserson, Kayla F. | 2014 | BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 14 | None | 10.1186/1471-2334-14-376 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr | None | Background: In much of Africa, most individuals living with HIV do not know their status. Home-based counseling and testing (HBCT) leads to more HIV-infected people learning their HIV status. However, there is little data on whether knowing one's HIV-positive status necessarily leads to uptake of HIV care, which could in turn, lead to a reduction in the prevalence of common infectious disease syndromes.
Methods: In 2008, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offered HBCT to individuals (aged >= 13 years) under active surveillance for infectious disease syndromes in Lwak in rural western Kenya. HIV test results were linked to morbidity and healthcare-seeking data collected by field workers through bi-weekly home visits. We analyzed changes in healthcare seeking behaviors using proportions, and incidence (expressed as episodes per person-year) of acute respiratory illness (ARI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), acute febrile illness (AFI) and diarrhea among first-time HIV testers in the year before and after HBCT, stratified by their test result and if HIV-positive, whether they sought care at HIV Patient Support Centers (PSCs).
Results: Of 9,613 individuals offered HBCT, 6,366 (66%) were first-time testers, 698 (11%) of whom were HIV-infected. One year after HBCT, 50% of HIV-infected persons had enrolled at PSCs - 92% of whom had started cotrimoxazole and 37% of those eligible for antiretroviral treatment had initiated therapy. Among HIV-infected persons enrolled in PSCs, AFI and diarrhea incidence decreased in the year after HBCT (rate ratio [RR] 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77 - 0.91 and RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73 - 0.98, respectively). Among HIV-infected persons not attending PSCs and among HIV-uninfected persons, decreases in incidence were significantly lower. While decreases also occurred in rates of respiratory illnesses among HIV-positive persons in care, there were similar decreases in the other two groups.
Conclusions: Large scale HBCT enabled a large number of newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons to know their HIV status, leading to a change in care seeking behavior and ultimately a decrease in incidence of common infectious disease syndromes through appropriate treatment and care. | "healthcare seeking","Home based HIV counseling and testing","Infectious disease incidence",AFRICA,"ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY",COTRIMOXAZOLE,FOLLOW-UP,HEALTH,"MORBIDITY SURVEILLANCE",MORTALITY,PROPHYLAXIS,TRIMETHOPRIM-SULFAMETHOXAZOLE,"UGANDAN ADULTS" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000300245500017 | Economic Evaluation of a Child Health Days Strategy to Deliver Multiple Maternal and Child Health Interventions in Somalia | Durry, Elias,Everard, Marthe,Kamadjeu, Raoul,Mirza, Imran Raza,Nandy, Robin,Vijayaraghavan, Maya,Wallace, Aaron | 2012 | JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES | 205 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jir772 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, United Nations Childrens Fund, World Hlth Org Somalia Liaison Off | None | Introduction. Child Health Days (CHDs) are increasingly used by countries to periodically deliver multiple maternal and child health interventions as time-limited events, particularly to populations not reached by routine health services. In countries with a weak health infrastructure, this strategy could be used to reach many underserved populations with an integrated package of services. In this study, we estimate the incremental costs, impact, cost-effectiveness, and return on investment of 2 rounds of CHDs that were conducted in Somalia in 2009 and 2010.
Methods. We use program costs and population estimates reported by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund to estimate the average cost per beneficiary for each of 9 interventions delivered during 2 rounds of CHDs implemented during the periods of December 2008 to May 2009 and August 2009 to April 2010. Because unstable areas were unreachable, we calculated costs for targeted and accessible beneficiaries. We model the impact of the CHDs on child mortality using the Lives Saved Tool, convert these estimates of mortality reduction to life years saved, and derive the cost-effectiveness ratio and the return on investment.
Results. The estimated average incremental cost per intervention for each targeted beneficiary was $0.63, with the cost increasing to $0.77 per accessible beneficiary. The CHDs were estimated to save the lives of at least 10 000, or 500 000 life years for both rounds combined. The CHDs were cost-effective at $34.00/life year saved. For every $1 million invested in the strategy, an estimated 615 children's lives, or 29 500 life years, were saved. If the pentavalent vaccine had been delivered during the CHDs instead of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, an additional 5000 children's lives could have been saved.
Conclusions. Despite high operational costs, CHDs are a very cost-effective service delivery strategy for addressing the leading causes of child mortality in a conflict setting like Somalia and compare favorably with other interventions rated as health sector "best buys" in sub-Saharan Africa. | ,COST,EPIDEMIOLOGY,MORTALITY | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000282408400001 | Bed net ownership in Kenya: the impact of 3.4 million free bed nets | Akhwale, Willis,Buluma, Robert,Hamel, Mary,Hightower, Allen,Kiptui, Rebecca,Laserson, Kayla,Manya, Ayub,Noor, Abdisalan,Sharif, Shahnaz K.,Slutsker, Laurence,Vanden Eng, Jodi Leigh,Vulule, John,Wolkon, Adam | 2010 | MALARIA JOURNAL | 9 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-9-183 | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, Ctr Dis Control, Kenya Govt Med Res Ctr, Kenya Natl Bur Stat, KNH Grounds, Off Director Publ Hlth & Sanitat | None | Background: In July and September 2006, 3.4 million long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) were distributed free in a campaign targeting children 0-59 months old (CU5s) in the 46 districts with malaria in Kenya. A survey was conducted one month after the distribution to evaluate who received campaign LLINs, who owned insecticide-treated bed nets and other bed nets received through other channels, and how these nets were being used. The feasibility of a distribution strategy aimed at a high-risk target group to meet bed net ownership and usage targets is evaluated.
Methods: A stratified, two-stage cluster survey sampled districts and enumeration areas with probability proportional to size. Handheld computers (PDAs) with attached global positioning systems (GPS) were used to develop the sampling frame, guide interviewers back to chosen households, and collect survey data.
Results: In targeted areas, 67.5% (95% CI: 64.6, 70.3%) of all households with CU5s received campaign LLINs. Including previously owned nets, 74.4% (95% CI: 71.8, 77.0%) of all households with CU5s had an ITN. Over half of CU5s (51.7%, 95% CI: 48.8, 54.7%) slept under an ITN during the previous evening. Nearly forty percent (39.1%) of all households received a campaign net, elevating overall household ownership of ITNs to 50.7% (95% CI: 48.4, 52.9%).
Conclusions: The campaign was successful in reaching the target population, families with CU5s, the risk group most vulnerable to malaria. Targeted distribution strategies will help Kenya approach indicator targets, but will need to be combined with other strategies to achieve desired population coverage levels. | ,CHILD-MORTALITY,COVERAGE,"INSECTICIDE-TREATED BEDNETS",MALARIA,MORBIDITY,PROGRAM,"WESTERN KENYA" | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920520114 | Evaluation of the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, the antioxidant activity, and the polyphenolic content of citrus limetta peel extract | Padilla-Camberos E., Lazcano-Díaz E., Flores-Fernandez J.M., Owolabi M.S., Allen K., Villanueva-Rodríguez S. | 2014 | Scientific World Journal | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/121760 | Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001, Lasu Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Lancaster Medical Scho | Padilla-Camberos, E., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Lazcano-Díaz, E., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Flores-Fernandez, J.M., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico; Owolabi, M.S., Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, PMB 0001, Lasu Post Office, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria; Allen, K., Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom; Villanueva-Rodríguez, S., Centro de Investigacion y Asistencia en Tecnologia y Diseno Del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Avenida Normalistas 800, Guadalajara, Mexico | Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent causes of death in Mexico, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. One alternative strategy for this metabolic abnormality is inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates. We evaluated whether the aqueous Citrus limetta peel extract could inhibit the metabolism of carbohydrates. We found that this extract inhibited primarily the enzyme α-amylase by 49.6% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL and to a lesser extent the enzyme α-glucosidase with an inhibition of 28.2% at the same concentration. This inhibition is likely due to the high polyphenol content in the Citrus limetta peel (19.1 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity of the Citrus limetta peel demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity, varying from 6.5% at 1.125 mg/mL to 42.5% at 20 mg/mL. The study of these polyphenolic compounds having both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities may provide a new approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2014 Eduardo Padilla-Camberos et al. | None | alpha glucosidase; amylase; antioxidant; carbohydrate; citrus fruit extract; citrus limetta peel extract; hydrolase; polyphenol derivative; unclassified drug; amylase; antioxidant; plant extract; polyphenol; antioxidant activity; Article; carbohydrate metabolism; concentration response; enzyme activity; enzyme inhibition; hyperglycemia; non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; antagonists and inhibitors; chemistry; Citrus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; drug effects; human; hyperglycemia; metabolism; Mexico; pathology; Citrus limetta; alpha-Amylases; Antioxidants; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Citrus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Mexico; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930181436 | Impact of increased grid resolution on global marine biogeochemistry | McKiver W.J., Vichi M., Lovato T., Storto A., Masina S. | 2015 | Journal of Marine Systems | 147 | None | 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2014.10.003 | Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Bologna, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Bologna, Italy; Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, South Africa | McKiver, W.J., Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Bologna, Italy; Vichi, M., Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Bologna, Italy, Department of Oceanography, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Lovato, T., Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Bologna, Italy; Storto, A., Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Bologna, Italy; Masina, S., Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Bologna, Italy, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Bologna, Italy | Here we examine the impact of mesoscale processes on the global marine biogeochemical system by performing simulations at two different resolutions, 2° (LO-res) and 1/4° resolution (HI-res) using the PELAGOS model. Both the LO-res and HI-res simulations are set up with the same forcings and biogeochemical parameterizations, while the initial conditions are provided by a spinup of the LO-res simulation. This allows us to perform a direct inter-comparison of the two cases with a view to understanding how the introduction of mesoscale features affects the biogeochemical system, specifically how differences in the resolved horizontal and vertical motions are reflected in the plankton biomass and the nutrient availability. While the global large-scale oceanographic features (fronts, gyres, etc.) are captured in both the LO-res and HI-res simulations, differences in the mesoscale flow structures, and in particular the resolved vertical physics in the HI-res simulation generate very different behavior in the biogeochemical system. These differences in the physics drive what is a spun-up biogeochemical system in the LO-res simulation into a new regime in the HI-res simulation with significant reduction of typical low resolution biases. Coastal features are well reproduced due to stronger Ekman upwelling at the continental margins and increased eddy kinetic energy in the Southern Ocean significantly reduces the winter overestimation. These biases in the LO-res model are a result of inadequate vertical dynamics. The enhancement of surface chlorophyll can be attributed to improvements in the winter mixed layer in some regions such as the North Atlantic, while it is overall the difference in the Ekman vertical velocity which improves surface production allowing to simulate more realistic deep chlorophyll maxima as well. While the HI-res is better than the LO-res at capturing the timing of the spring bloom in the Southern Ocean, it still overestimates the peak of the bloom, hinting at the need to better understand the driving forces of the seasonal cycle of sub-Antarctic plankton dynamics. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Chlorophyll; Global ocean; Marine plankton; Mesoscale processes; Nutricline | Biogeochemistry; Blooms (metal); Chlorophyll; Kinetic energy; Kinetics; Marine biology; Oceanography; Plankton; Different resolutions; Global ocean; Horizontal and vertical motions; Marine planktons; Mesoscale process; Nutricline; Nutrient availability; Winter mixed layers; Computer simulation; biogeochemistry; kinetic energy; marine ecosystem; mesoscale meteorology; nutrient availability; parameterization; plankton; simulation; Southern Ocean | None |
| WoS | WOS:000345430400001 | Toward utilization of data for program management and evaluation: quality assessment of five years of health management information system data in Rwanda | Amoroso, Cheryl,Basinga, Paulin,Binagwaho, Agnes,Gaju, Eric,Gashayija, Modeste,Hedt-Gauthier, Bethany,Hirschhorn, Lisa R.,Iyer, Hari S.,Muhire, Andrew,Nisingizwe, Marie Paul,Rubyutsa, Eric,Wilson, Randy | 2014 | GLOBAL HEALTH ACTION | 7 | None | 10.3402/gha.v7.25829 | Dartmouth College, Gates Foundation, Harvard University, University of Rwanda, Brigham & Womens Hosp, Minist Hlth, Partners In Hlth, Partners In Hlth Inshuti Mu Buzima | "Basinga, Paulin: Gates Foundation", | Background: Health data can be useful for effective service delivery, decision making, and evaluating existing programs in order to maintain high quality of healthcare. Studies have shown variability in data quality from national health management information systems (HMISs) in sub-Saharan Africa which threatens utility of these data as a tool to improve health systems. The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of Rwanda's HMIS data over a 5-year period.
Methods: The World Health Organization (WHO) data quality report card framework was used to assess the quality of HMIS data captured from 2008 to 2012 and is a census of all 495 publicly funded health facilities in Rwanda. Factors assessed included completeness and internal consistency of 10 indicators selected based on WHO recommendations and priority areas for the Rwanda national health sector. Completeness was measured as percentage of non-missing reports. Consistency was measured as the absence of extreme outliers, internal consistency between related indicators, and consistency of indicators over time. These assessments were done at the district and national level.
Results: Nationally, the average monthly district reporting completeness rate was 98% across 10 key indicators from 2008 to 2012. Completeness of indicator data increased over time: 2008, 88%; 2009, 91%; 2010, 89%; 2011, 90%; and 2012, 95% (p<B0.0001). Comparing 2011 and 2012 health events to the mean of the three preceding years, service output increased from 3% (2011) to 9% (2012). Eighty-three percent of districts reported ratios between related indicators (ANC/DTP1, DTP1/DTP3) consistent with HMIS national ratios.
Conclusion and policy implications: Our findings suggest that HMIS data quality in Rwanda has been improving over time. We recommend maintaining these assessments to identify remaining gaps in data quality and that results are shared publicly to support increased use of HMIS data. | "DATA QUALITY","data use","global health","health management information system","QUALITY IMPROVEMENT",RWANDA,CHALLENGES,DISTRICT,"IMMUNIZATION DATA",IMPLEMENTATION,INNOVATIONS,MALAWI,MOZAMBIQUE,SOUTH-AFRICA | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84947574256 | Public health impact after the introduction of PsA-TT: The first 4 years | Diomandé F.V.K., Djingarey M.H., Daugla D.M., Novak R.T., Kristiansen P.A., Collard J.-M., Gamougam K., Kandolo D., Mbakuliyemo N., Mayer L., Stuart J., Clark T., Tevi-Benissan C., Perea W.A., Preziosi M.-P., La Force F.M., Caugant D., Messonnier N., Walk | 2015 | Clinical Infectious Diseases | 61 | None | 10.1093/cid/civ499 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Inter-country Support Team for West Africa, World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Centre de Support en Santé International, N'Djamena, Chad; World | Diomandé, F.V.K., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States, Inter-country Support Team for West Africa, World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Djingarey, M.H., Inter-country Support Team for West Africa, World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Daugla, D.M., Centre de Support en Santé International, N'Djamena, Chad; Novak, R.T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Kristiansen, P.A., World Health Organization, Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Collard, J.-M., Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire, Niamey, Nigeria; Gamougam, K., Centre de Support en Santé International, N'Djamena, Chad; Kandolo, D., Inter-country Support Team for West Africa, World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Mbakuliyemo, N., Inter-country Support Team for West Africa, World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Mayer, L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Stuart, J., Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Clark, T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Tevi-Benissan, C., World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo; Perea, W.A., Department of Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Preziosi, M.-P., Meningitis Vaccine Project, PATH, Ferney-Voltaire, France, Meningitis Vaccine Project, Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; La Force, F.M., Serum Institute of India, Ltd., Pune, India; Caugant, D., Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire, Niamey, Nigeria; Messonnier, N., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, United States; Walker, O., Inter-country Support Team for West Africa, World Health Organization, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Greenwood, B., World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo | Background. During the first introduction of a group A meningococcal vaccine (PsA-TT) in 2010-2011 and its rollout from 2011 to 2013, >150 million eligible people, representing 12 hyperendemic meningitis countries, have been vaccinated. Methods. The new vaccine effectiveness evaluation framework was established by the World Health Organization and partners. Meningitis case-based surveillance was strengthened in PsA-TT first-introducer countries, and several evaluation studies were conducted to estimate the vaccination coverage and to measure the impact of vaccine introduction on meningococcal carriage and disease incidence. Results. PsA-TT implementation achieved high vaccination coverage, and results from studies conducted showed significant decrease of disease incidence as well as significant reduction of oropharyngeal carriage of group A meningococci in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, demonstrating the vaccine's ability to generate herd protection and prevent group A epidemics. Conclusions. Lessons learned from this experience provide useful insights in how to guide and better prepare for future new vaccine introductions in resource-limited settings. © 2015 World Health Organization; licensee Oxford Journals. | Africa meningitis belt; disease incidence; meningococcal group A; PsA-TT; vaccine evaluation framework | group A meningococcal conjugate vaccine; Meningococcus vaccine; unclassified drug; Article; bacterium carrier; clinical effectiveness; cost benefit analysis; disease transmission; drug efficacy; epidemic meningitis; evaluation study; group A meningococcus; health impact assessment; health survey; human; immunity; incidence; infection prevention; Neisseria meningitidis; oropharynx; priority journal; public health; vaccination; world health organization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-72849129788 | How much could rotavirus vaccines reduce diarrhea-associated mortality in northern Ghana? A model to assess impact | Arvay M.L., Curns A.T., Terp S., Armah G., Wontuo P., Parashar U.D., Binka F., Glass R.I., Widdowson M.-A. | 2009 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 200 | None | 10.1086/605062 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, Atlanta, GA, United States; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Navrongo Health Research Center, Navrongo, Ghana | Arvay, M.L., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Curns, A.T., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Terp, S., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, Atlanta, GA, United States; Armah, G., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana; Wontuo, P., Navrongo Health Research Center, Navrongo, Ghana; Parashar, U.D., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States; Binka, F., School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; Glass, R.I., Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Widdowson, M.-A., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Atlanta, GA, United States | Background. Effective rotavirus vaccines could substantially reduce the ∼500,000 deaths due to rotavirus disease per year worldwide, although the impact will depend on vaccine effectiveness, timing of administration, and coverage. We modeled vaccine impact on rotavirus-associated mortality in rural Ghana. Methods. All deaths due to acute diarrhea among children during 1998-2004 in the Kassena-Nankana District of Ghana were identified, and the number of deaths due to rotavirus disease was estimated using hospital laboratory surveillance data. Assuming rotavirus vaccine would be included in the current Expanded Program on Immunization schedule, we estimated the reduction in rotavirus-associated mortality with use of the current coverage and timing of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine administration and various age-restricted schedules. Results. Of the 381 deaths due to diarrhea, 131 (34%) were estimated to be caused by rotavirus infection. On the basis of current diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine coverage and timing, a 90% efficacious 3-dose rotavirus vaccine would prevent 70% of deaths due to rotavirus infection if administered without age restrictions, 53% if only initiated among children <12 weeks of age, and 52% if the course also was completed by 32 weeks of age. Conclusions. Rotavirus vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce rotavirus-associated mortality in rural Ghana. Although timely vaccination should be encouraged, extending the current age recommendation for initiation of rotavirus vaccination could increase the coverage and impact of vaccination. © 2009 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | diphtheria vaccine; pertussis vaccine; Rotavirus vaccine; tetanus toxoid; age distribution; article; controlled study; diarrhea; diphtheria; disease surveillance; drug efficacy; Ghana; mortality; pertussis; priority journal; rural area; statistical model; tetanus; treatment indication; vaccination; virus infection; Diarrhea; Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine; Ghana; Humans; Infant; Rotavirus Infections; Rotavirus Vaccines; Vaccination | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861357339 | Little auks buffer the impact of current Arctic climate change | Grémillet D., Welcker J., Karnovsky N.J., Walkusz W., Hall M.E., Fort J., Brown Z.W., Speakman J.R., Harding A.M.A. | 2012 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 454 | None | 10.3354/meps09590 | Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR5175, CNRS-INEE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Pomona College, Department of Biology, 175 W. Sixth Street, Claremont, CA 91771, United States; Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powsta ców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland; Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada; BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20 Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, Ireland; Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom; Alaska Pacific University, Environmental Science Department, 4101 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States | Grémillet, D., Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR5175, CNRS-INEE, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France, Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Welcker, J., Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; Karnovsky, N.J., Pomona College, Department of Biology, 175 W. Sixth Street, Claremont, CA 91771, United States; Walkusz, W., Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powsta ców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland, Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada; Hall, M.E., BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20 Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, Ireland; Fort, J., Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Brown, Z.W., Pomona College, Department of Biology, 175 W. Sixth Street, Claremont, CA 91771, United States; Speakman, J.R., School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom; Harding, A.M.A., Alaska Pacific University, Environmental Science Department, 4101 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States | Climate models predict a multi-degree warming of the North Atlantic in the 21st century. A research priority is to understand the effect of such changes upon marine organisms. With 40 to 80 million individuals, planktivorous little auks Alle alle are an essential component of pelagic food webs in this region that is potentially highly susceptible to climatic effects. Using an integrative study of their behaviour, physiology and fitness at 3 study sites, we evaluated the effect of ocean warming on little auks across the Greenland Sea in 2005 to 2007. Contrary to our hypothesis, the birds responded to a wide range of sea surface temperatures via plasticity of their foraging behaviour, allowing them to maintain their fitness levels. Predicted effects of climate change are significantly attenuated by such plasticity, confounding attempts to forecast future effects of climate change using envelope models. © Inter-Research 2012. | Behavioural plasticity; Envelope models; Global warming; North Atlantic; Pelagic food web; Zooplankton | arctic environment; climate change; climate effect; climate modeling; fitness; food web; numerical model; pelagic ecosystem; phenotypic plasticity; planktivore; sea surface temperature; seabird; temperature effect; temperature tolerance; twenty first century; warming; zooplankton; Arctic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean (North); Greenland Sea; Norwegian Sea; Alle alle; Aves; Pinguinus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33745726656 | Modelling the demographic impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa and the likely impact of interventions | Johnson L.F., Dorrington R.E. | 2006 | Demographic Research | 14 | None | 10.4054/DemRes.2006.14.22 | Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Johnson, L.F., Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Dorrington, R.E., Centre for Actuarial Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper describes an approach to incorporating the impact of HIV/AIDS and the effects of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programmes into a cohort component projection model of the South African population. The modelled HIV-positive population is divided into clinical and treatment stages, and it is demonstrated that the age profile and morbidity profile of the HIV-positive population is changing significantly over time. HIV/AIDS is projected to have a substantial demographic impact in South Africa. Prevention programmes - social marketing, voluntary counselling and testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and improved treatment for sexually transmitted diseases - are unlikely to reduce AIDS mortality significantly in the short term. However, more immediate reductions in mortality can be achieved when antiretroviral treatment is introduced. © 2006 Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. | Antiretroviral treatment; Demographic impact; HIV/AIDS prevention; Simulation model; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84892643257 | Regulatory reform of seed systems: Benefits and impacts from a mungbean case study in Nepal | Joshi K.D., Khanal N.P., Harris D., Khanal N.N., Sapkota A., Khadka K., Darai R., Neupane R.K., Joshi M., Witcombe J.R. | 2014 | Field Crops Research | 158 | None | 10.1016/j.fcr.2013.12.011 | Centre for Advanced Research in International Agricultural Development (CARIAD), C/o CIMMYT South Asia Regional Office, P. O. Box 5186, Kathmandu, Nepal; Forum for Rural Welfare and Agriculture Reform for Development (FORWARD), P.O. Box 11, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal; CARIAD, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom; Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), P.O. Box 324, Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal; National Grain Legume Research Programme (NGLRP), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal; Social Upliftment through Participatory Programmes, Research and Training (SUPPORT) Foundation, P.O. Box 24, Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, Nepal; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Trop-ics, PO Box 39063, Nairobi, Kenya; FORWARD, Chitwan, Nepal; Department of Agriculture Development, Regional AgricultureTraining Centre, Sundarpur, Kanchanpur, Nepal; CIMMYT-Pakistan, NARC-Park Road, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan | Joshi, K.D., Centre for Advanced Research in International Agricultural Development (CARIAD), C/o CIMMYT South Asia Regional Office, P. O. Box 5186, Kathmandu, Nepal, CIMMYT-Pakistan, NARC-Park Road, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; Khanal, N.P., Forum for Rural Welfare and Agriculture Reform for Development (FORWARD), P.O. Box 11, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal; Harris, D., CARIAD, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Trop-ics, PO Box 39063, Nairobi, Kenya; Khanal, N.N., Forum for Rural Welfare and Agriculture Reform for Development (FORWARD), P.O. Box 11, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal; Sapkota, A., Forum for Rural Welfare and Agriculture Reform for Development (FORWARD), P.O. Box 11, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal; Khadka, K., Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), P.O. Box 324, Pokhara, Kaski, Nepal; Darai, R., National Grain Legume Research Programme (NGLRP), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal; Neupane, R.K., National Grain Legume Research Programme (NGLRP), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, FORWARD, Chitwan, Nepal; Joshi, M., Social Upliftment through Participatory Programmes, Research and Training (SUPPORT) Foundation, P.O. Box 24, Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, Nepal, Department of Agriculture Development, Regional AgricultureTraining Centre, Sundarpur, Kanchanpur, Nepal; Witcombe, J.R., CARIAD, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, United Kingdom | Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L). Wilczek) is becoming an important grain legume in Nepal. It can be grown as an additional crop after harvesting winter crops such as winter wheat, winter legumes and oilseeds and before planting main season rice from the low-altitude Terai through to the middle hills of Nepal. Replacing short fallows in the spring, it provides additional high quality food, enhances soil fertility and increases the yield of the following crop.In spite of continued varietal research by the National Grain Legume Research Programme, no mungbean varieties were released from 1975 to 2006. The old variety, Pusa Baishakhi, was released in 1975, but became susceptible to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) and several other diseases so mungbean became limited to a rarely grown, green manure crop. In 2003, we introduced four mungbean varieties resistant to MYMV from the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre. These were evaluated in participatory varietal selection (PVS) mother and baby trials in low fertility and droughted conditions using farmers' levels of inputs and management. Variety spread was promoted by distributing free small seed samples in a process known as Informal Research and Development (IRD); and community-based seed production and marketing. Of the four varieties, NM94 and VC6372 consistently produced higher grain yields than the local check varieties, were resistant to MYMV and hence were preferred by farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives endorsed a new variety release procedure in 2005 that permitted the use of data from PVS trials to support the release or registration of new crop varieties. In 2006, on the basis of data generated from PVS trials alone, the National Seed Board released NM94 as 'Kalyan' while, on the basis of combined data from the PVS trials and from on-station trials, VC6372 (45-8-1) was released as 'Prateeksha'. The use of PVS contributed greatly to fast-tracking the release process and this resulted in farmers getting new MYMV-resistant mungbean varieties more quickly. Varieties spread rapidly through IRD and farmer-to-farmer seed networks and provided benefits to farming households. Regulatory reforms to speed up and simplify the process of varietal release are discussed. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Adoption; Fast-tracking varietal release; Food security; Irrigation; Participatory trials; Replacing fallow land | agricultural management; crop yield; food quality; food security; high yielding variety; irrigation; legume; participatory approach; research program; seed; soil fertility; Nepal | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84939945876 | Evaluation of the ASTERTM process in the presence of suspended solids | Van Zyl A.W., Huddy R., Harrison S.T.L., Van Hille R.P. | 2015 | Minerals Engineering | 76 | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.11.007 | Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa | Van Zyl, A.W., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Huddy, R., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Harrison, S.T.L., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Van Hille, R.P., Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa | The ability to recycle and reuse process water is a major contributing factor toward increased sustainability in the mining industry. However, the presence of toxic compounds has prevented this in most bioleaching operations. The ASTERTM process has been used for the bioremediation of cyanide (CN) and thiocyanate (SCN-) containing effluents at demonstration and commercial scale, increasing the potential for recycling of the treated effluent. The process relies on a complex consortium of microorganisms and laboratory tests have shown that the biomass retention, in suspended flocs or attached biofilm, significantly improved SCN- degradation rates. The current research evaluated the process performance in the presence of suspended solids (up to 5.5% m/v) ahead of implementation at a site where complete tailings removal is not possible. Experiments were performed in four 1 l CSTRs (with three primary reactors in parallel at an 8 h residence time, feeding one secondary reactor at a 2.7 h residence time). Stable operation at the design specifications (5.5% solids, 100 mg/l SCN- feed, effluent SCN- <1 mg/l) was achieved within 50 days, including a period of adaptation. The pH had the most significant effect on performance, with significant inhibition below pH 6. The presence of gypsum and anhydrite phases in the fresh tailings was most likely responsible for the observed decrease in pH. A maximum SCN- degradation rate of >57 mg/l/h was achieved, despite no obvious floc formation. Microbial ecology studies (16S rRNA clone library) revealed reduced diversity relative to reactors operated without suspended solids. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biomass retention; BIOX® process; Microbial ecology; Thiocyanate destruction | Bioremediation; Degradation; Ecology; Microbiology; Recycling; RNA; Water conservation; 16S rRNA clone libraries; Biomass retention; Contributing factor; Design specification; Microbial ecology; Process performance; Suspended solids; Thiocyanate destruction; Effluents | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921374422 | Neurotoxicology and development: Human, environmental and social impacts | Myers J., London L., Lucchini R.G. | 2014 | NeuroToxicology | 45 | None | 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.08.002 | Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States; University of Brescia, Italy | Myers, J., Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa; London, L., Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Lucchini, R.G., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States, University of Brescia, Italy | The 12th International symposium of the Scientific Committee on Neurotoxicology and Psychophysiology, International Commission on Occupational Health was held in Cape Town, South Africa on March 24-27, 2013. Reflecting the meeting aiming to build greater focus on challenges facing working populations and communities in developing countries, the Symposium theme was Neurotoxicology and Development: Human, Environmental and Social Impacts. A total of 23 countries were represented with strong participation from 5 African countries. In addition to the more traditional topics of these Symposia, like metal, solvents and pesticides neurotoxicity, the conference embraced several new themes including affective disorders arising from chemical exposure, neurodevelopmental impacts in early life and novel approaches to genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for the assessment of neurotoxic impact. The theme of the conference prompted extensive discussions, which have laid the basis for a number of new directions for research, advocacy and capacity building to prevent and manage chemical neurotoxicity in workplace and community settings across the globe. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Neurobehavioral toxicology; Occupational and environmental health; Social and global impact | lead; manganese; neurotoxin; pesticide; solvent; biological marker; Article; child development; cognition; developmental toxicity; environmental exposure; genetic epigenesis; genetic marker; human; human impact (environment); intoxication; lead poisoning; medical ethics; mood disorder; nerve cell differentiation; neurotoxicity; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; occupational exposure; occupational safety; Parkinson disease; positron emission tomography; prenatal exposure; social aspects and related phenomena; social environment; social impact; welding; developing country; environmental exposure; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; organization; psychology; socioeconomics; Biomarkers; Congresses as Topic; Developing Countries; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Neurotoxicity Syndromes; Socioeconomic Factors | D43TW009353-01-S1, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928239277 | Asymmetric impacts of the determinants of energy intensity in Nigeria | Adom P.K. | 2015 | Energy Economics | 49 | None | 10.1016/j.eneco.2015.03.027 | Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE), Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden; Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana | Adom, P.K., Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE), Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Umeå, Sweden, Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana | This study analysed the problem of energy intensity determinants in Nigeria based on the fully modified OLS and canonical cointegration regressions. These methods were preferred since they are able to deal effectively with the second-order bias problems, an often characteristics of time series data. The impacts of price of crude oil, FDI, trade openness and industry structure are asymmetric which suggests the presence of structural effects in parameters. The impact of crude oil price is negative but becomes stronger post-1989 saving .126% more in energy consumption relative to pre-1989. Also, the impacts of FDI and trade openness are negative and significant but become stronger post-1989 saving 11.2% and 0.8% more in energy consumption relative to the baseline, respectively for every one percentage point increase in FDI and trade openness. The impact of industry value-added is positive and significant but weakens after 1989 consuming 1.8% less in energy for every one percentage point increase in industry value-added relative to the baseline. The energy reducing effect of industry value-added post-1989 reflects improvements in the technical characteristics of industrial sector in Nigeria. Last, the result showed that the absorptive capability and industry characteristics of Nigeria are important determinants of how FDI affects energy intensity. This implies that a more integrated FDI programme (considering the country characteristics) rather than a 'one-fit-all' programme is preferable. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Absorptive capability; Asymmetric effects; Energy intensity; Nigeria | Commerce; Crude oil; Oil shale; Absorptive capability; Asymmetric effects; Energy intensity; Industrial sector; Industry characteristics; Industry structures; Nigeria; Percentage points; Energy utilization; consumption behavior; crude oil; energy market; foreign direct investment; industrial structure; price dynamics; regression analysis; time series; trade; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883196648 | Measuring the impact of academic development courses in first- and second-year chemistry | Smith L.C. | 2013 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 66 | None | None | Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Smith, L.C., Centre for Higher Education Development, University of Cape Town, South Africa | This paper uses multivariate analysis to estimate the impact of educational interventions in the first-year academic development chemistry courses on students' final course marks. The cohorts for seven years are pooled, which generates a more robust set of results than was previously the case. To counter the sample-selection problem that arises as academic development students are placed onto the academic development programme, a selection of control variables is included in the estimations. The results suggest that the educational interventions in the first year had a positive impact on academic development students' performance, relative to mainstream students, in both the first- and second-year courses. The implications of the results for education policy and research are considered. | Academic development; Academic performance; Chemistry; Educational interventions; Multivariate analysis; South Africa | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84911860941 | Prosopis invasions in South Africa: Population structures and impacts on native tree population stability | Shackleton R.T., Le Maitre D.C., Richardson D.M. | 2015 | Journal of Arid Environments | 114 | None | 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2014.11.006 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Shackleton, R.T., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa; Le Maitre, D.C., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa, Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Richardson, D.M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa | Several Prosopis taxa are widespread invaders that have negative impacts on biodiversity and human livelihoods globally. Better knowledge of the impacts and ecology of invasive Prosopis species is required to support and inform management interventions. Prosopis was introduced to South Africa and has become the second most widespread invasive alien plant taxon in the country. We compare population structures of invasive Prosopis populations in different part of South Africa, and quantify the effects of Prosopis invasions on native tree populations using size-class distribution (SCD) curves. Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, regressions, quotients, and Permutation Indices were used to compare size-class distributions and assess population stability. Prosopis population structures differed across South Africa. Those along perennial rivers and areas in the Succulent Karoo biome had fewer juvenile plants. Prosopis in South Africa also has higher recruitment (% juvenile plants) than in other areas like Australia. Prosopis invasions are having a negative effect on the stability of native tree populations in South Africa, and are linked to increased mortality of native trees. Improved management of Prosopis is needed. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Biological invasions; Mesquite; Permutation Index; Size-class distribution; Tree invasions | biodiversity; biological invasion; biome; invasive species; legume; mortality; population structure; recruitment (population dynamics); size distribution; stabilization; Australia; South Africa; Prosopis | None |
| None | None | Psychometric properties and the prevalence, intensity and causes of oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP) in a population of older Tanzanians | Kida I.A., Åstrøm A.N., Strand G.V., Masalu J.R., Tsakos G. | 2006 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 4 | None | 10.1186/1477-7525-4-56 | Centre for International Health, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Odontology-Community Dentistry, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Department of Odontology-Gerodontology, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College of London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Kida, I.A., Centre for International Health, UoB, Bergen, Norway, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Åstrøm, A.N., Centre for International Health, UoB, Bergen, Norway, Department of Odontology-Community Dentistry, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Strand, G.V., Department of Odontology-Gerodontology, UoB, Bergen, Norway; Masalu, J.R., Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Tsakos, G., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College of London Medical School, London, United Kingdom | Background: The objective was to study whether a Kiswahili version of the OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performance) inventory was valid and reliable for use in a population of older adults in urban and rural areas of Tanzania; and to assess the area specific prevalence, intensity and perceived causes of OIDP. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pwani region and in Dar es Salaam in 2004/2005. A two-stage stratified cluster sample design was utilized. Information became available for 511 urban and 520 rural subjects (mean age 62.9 years) who were interviewed and participated in a full mouth clinical examination in their own homes. Results: The Kiswahili version of the weighted OIDP inventory preserved the overall concept of the original English version. Cronbach's alpha was 0.83 and 0.90 in urban and rural areas, respectively, and the OIDP inventory varied systematically in the expected direction with self-reported oral health measures. The respective prevalence of oral impacts was 51.2% and 62.1% in urban and rural areas. Problems with eating was the performance reported most frequently (42.5% in urban, 55.1% in rural) followed by cleaning teeth (18.2% in urban, 30.6% in rural). More than half of the urban and rural residents with impacts had very little, little and moderate impact intensity. The most frequently reported causes of impacts were toothache and loose teeth. Conclusion: The Kiswahili OIDP inventory had acceptable psychometric properties among non-institutionalized adults 50 years and above in Tanzania. The impacts affecting their performances were relatively common but not very severe. © 2006 Kida et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; aged; analytic method; article; clinical assessment; controlled study; Cronbach alpha coefficient; daily life activity; dental care; dental health; disease severity; feeding behavior; female; health survey; human; interview; major clinical study; male; Oral Impacts on Daily Performance; population research; prevalence; psychometry; reliability; risk assessment; risk factor; Tanzania; tooth disease; tooth pain; urban rural difference; validation process; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Prevalence; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Rural Health; Sickness Impact Profile; Tanzania; Tooth Loss; Urban Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921057084 | The impact of invasive alien Prosopis species (mesquite) on native plants in different environments in South Africa | Shackleton R.T., Le Maitre D.C., Van Wilgen B.W., Richardson D.M. | 2015 | South African Journal of Botany | 97 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2014.12.008 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Shackleton, R.T., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Le Maitre, D.C., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa, Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Van Wilgen, B.W., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa; Richardson, D.M., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa | Many Prosopis species have been introduced to South Africa; some taxa and their hybrids have naturalised and become widespread invasive trees. These invasions have detrimental effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human livelihoods. Although several studies have documented these impacts, the studies have been limited to single sites or restricted areas. This study assessed the Prosopis population across the full invasive range of the genus in South Africa, and quantified the effects of invasions on native woody and herbaceous species. Basal areas of invasive Prosopis stands reached 9m2/ha, and were on average higher along perennial rivers than along ephemeral rivers (mean basal areas of 3.2 vs. 1.4m2/ha). Native woody species density, basal area, richness and diversity all decreased significantly as the basal area of Prosopis stands increased. For example, up to eight native woody species occurred at basal area of <2m2/ha, this decreased to three native species or fewer at basal areas of >4m2/ha. The cover of native perennial grasses and herbaceous plants declined from 15-20% where the basal area of Prosopis was <2m2/ha to zero where the basal area of Prosopis was >4.5m2/ha. The results highlight the widespread nature of the impacts across all invaded biomes. Current control of Prosopis has had limited success, and alternative, potentially more effective, options are controversial. In the light of the widespread impacts, we recommend that a thorough assessment of the problem be undertaken to inform policy. © 2014 South African Association of Botanists. | Basal area; Biological invasions; Impacts; Invasive plants; Tree invasions | basal area; biodiversity; biome; dicotyledon; ecosystem service; invasiveness; native species; risk assessment; woody plant; South Africa; Poaceae; Prosopis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890876053 | Performance of invasive alien fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) along a climatic gradient through three South African biomes | Rahlao S.J., Milton S.J., Esler K.J., Barnard P. | 2014 | South African Journal of Botany | 91 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2013.11.013 | Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Climate Change and Bio-Adaptation Division, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa; DST Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Rahlao, S.J., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Milton, S.J., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, DST Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Esler, K.J., Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Barnard, P., Climate Change and Bio-Adaptation Division, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa, DST Centre of Excellence, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The knowledge of relative performance of plants across environmental gradients is critical for their effective management and for understanding future range expansion. Pennisetum setaceum is an invasive perennial grass found along roadsides and other disturbed sites in South Africa. The performance of this grass in response to competition, habitat characteristics and resources was experimentally tested in three biomes (Karoo, Fynbos and Savanna) of South Africa. A total of 846 young P. setaceum seedlings were translocated to study sites in May 2007. The seedlings were grown in 94 plots along random transects, of which alternate halves were cleared of vegetation. Despite a variety of environmental hazards at these sites, over 30% of the transplanted seedlings survived over 15. months. Competition from resident vegetation was a major factor limiting the establishment of seedlings. However, under adequate rainfall and historical disturbance (mine dump), competition effects were overridden. Survival of seedlings was greatest in the Karoo National Park, possibly because of summer rainfall that occurred shortly after translocation. Despite differences in the survival and growth rates, seedlings remained alive at all sites, especially if they survived the first six months after translocation. P. setaceum is capable of persisting across a broad range of environmental conditions. Management efforts should aim to reduce seed production and establishment along roadsides that act as conduits into protected sites. This could be best achieved by maintaining as much indigenous cover along road verges as possible, as seeds survive best where competition is low. © 2013 South African Association of Botanists. | Alien grass; Biological invasions; Competition; Disturbance; Seedling translocation; Transplant experiment | biological invasion; biome; climate variation; fynbos; grass; habitat management; introduced species; Karoo Supergroup; performance assessment; roadside environment; savanna; spatiotemporal analysis; translocation; Karoo National Park; South Africa; Western Cape | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877342673 | The effect of frother blends on the flotation performance of selected PGM bearing ores | Ngoroma F., Wiese J., Franzidis J.-P. | 2013 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2013.03.017 | Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Ngoroma, F., Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Wiese, J., Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa; Franzidis, J.-P., Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa | Concentrators processing PGM bearing ores make use of polysaccharide depressants to reduce the recovery of the undesired naturally floatable gangue minerals, mainly silicates, present in the ore. Recent work has shown that high depressant dosages can completely depress naturally floatable gangue and thus prevent it from reporting to the concentrate. These high depressant dosages can, however, have a negative effect on the recovery of valuable minerals present in the ore by reducing the stability of the froth. In order to counterbalance the effects of depressant addition, frothers are added. It is, however, preferable to maintain independent control over bubble size and froth stability which is difficult to achieve with only one frother. An alternative strategy is to use a blend of frothers, e.g. a weaker frother in combination with a stronger frother. Such a system allows an additional degree of freedom: changing the ratio of the two frothers provides more independent control of bubble size and froth stability. This study demonstrates through the use of batch flotation tests how blending low molecular weight alcohols with commercially available frothers impacts the solids and water recovery, as well as the valuable mineral recovery and concentrate grade in different PGM ores. Higher water and solids recoveries together with higher valuable mineral recoveries (>90% copper and >70% nickel) were obtained from tests using frother blends. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Alcohols; Froth flotation; Frothers; Polysaccharide depressants | Concentrate grade; Degree of freedom; Floatable gangue; Flotation performance; Frothers; Independent control; Low molecular weight alcohols; Mineral recovery; Alcohols; Blending; Froth flotation; Ores; Recovery; Silicates; Ore treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867741899 | The use of machine vision to predict flotation performance | Morar S.H., Harris M.C., Bradshaw D.J. | 2012 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.02.010 | Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; University of Queensland, Sustainable Minerals Institute, Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, QLD 4072, Australia | Morar, S.H., Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Harris, M.C., Centre for Minerals Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Bradshaw, D.J., University of Queensland, Sustainable Minerals Institute, Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, QLD 4072, Australia | Machine vision has been proposed as an ideal non-intrusive instrument to obtain meaningful information relating to the performance of the froth phase of flotation for the purposes of process control. Many attempts have been made to use machine vision to predict performance factors such as mass recovery rate and concentrate grade. These approaches have largely been empirical, and have been shown to be accurate under limited operating conditions. The most commonly used application of machine vision technology is the measurement of froth velocity within a control strategy to balance the concentrate recovery rate down a bank by manipulating either froth depth or air rate. This paper investigates whether the measurement of physical machine vision measurements are able to provide accurate measures of mass recovery rate and concentrate grade across variations in operating conditions. The results show that although good relationships are found in narrow conditions, a mechanistic understanding and model is needed to determine relationships that are useful over a wide range of operating conditions. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation froths; Froth flotation; Modelling; On-line analysis; Process control | Air rate; Concentrate grade; Concentrate recovery; Control strategies; Flotation froths; Flotation performance; Machine vision technologies; Mass recovery; Non-intrusive; On-line analysis; Operating condition; Performance factors; Vision measurement; Air; Froth flotation; Models; Process control; Recovery; Computer vision | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907777751 | The interactive effects of chemical and process parameters on the flotation performance of a UG2 ore | McFadzean B., Pani S., Wiese J., O'Connor C.T. | 2015 | Minerals Engineering | 70 | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.08.016 | Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa | McFadzean, B., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Pani, S., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; Wiese, J., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa; O'Connor, C.T., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, South Africa | A major challenge in the processing of PGM-bearing UG2 ore is the fact that it is comprised largely of chromite (60-90% by volume). Chromite is generally not naturally floatable but significant quantities report to the concentrate by entrainment. This is a serious problem for the downstream smelting process, which is generally constrained to a grade of about 3% chromite. Four of the most accessible levers for the control of flotation performance which are available to a plant metallurgist are frother and depressant dosage, air flow rate and froth height. The effects of each of these factors on the flotation performance have been extensively studied, but interactive effects are not well understood. This study presents the results of an investigation into the interactive effects of these parameters using a factorial experimental design approach. The flotation tests were carried out using a 2 m high continuous column flotation cell which facilitated the generation of a deep froth, since this was the phase of most interest. The results were analysed using statistical analysis software that fitted a regression model to the data for each of the outputs. These results highlight the interactive effects of these variables on the flotation performance and illustrate the complexity that is required in process control. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Factorial design; Flotation performance; Interactive effects | Chromite; Chromite deposits; Froth flotation; Regression analysis; Smelting; Factorial design; Factorial experimental design; Flotation performance; In-process control; Interactive effect; Process parameters; Regression model; Smelting process; Process control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867747561 | The effect of frother type and dosage on flotation performance in the presence of high depressant concentrations | Wiese J., Harris P. | 2012 | Minerals Engineering | None | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.03.028 | Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Wiese, J., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Harris, P., Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The use of high dosages of polysaccharide depressants in order to depress the undesired naturally floatable gangue (NFG) present in ores beneficiated from the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, results in a significant decrease in the stability of flotation froths. These unstable froths can result in restricted mass pull and decreased valuable mineral recovery. Previous work using a single polyglycol ether type frother, DOW 200, has shown that an increase in frother dosage could be used to overcome the destabilisation of the froth to a certain extent and improve valuable mineral recovery. This resulted in an increase in water recovery and dilution of the concentrate by entrained material. This work extends this study to examine the effect of using a stronger frother, DOW 250, on the recovery of sulphide minerals and floatable gangue from a Merensky ore at different dosages of guar gum and CMC, which are typically used as depressants in the processing of Merensky ore. Results indicate that an increase in the strength of the frother resulted in a more robust froth. Depressant type also had an influence on results obtained. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Flotation depressants; Flotation frothers; Froth flotation; Precious metal ores | Bushveld Complex; Floatable gangue; Flotation depressants; Flotation frothers; Flotation froths; Flotation performance; Frothers; Guar gums; Merensky ore; Mineral recovery; Polyglycol ethers; Precious metal ores; South Africa; Water recovery; Ethers; Froth flotation; Ores; Precious metals; Recovery; Ore treatment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-53549127285 | Developing health systems research capacities through north-south partnership: An evaluation of collaboration with South Africa and Thailand | Mayhew S.H., Doherty J., Pitayarangsarit S. | 2008 | Health Research Policy and Systems | 6 | None | 10.1186/1478-4505-6-8 | Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Mayhew, S.H., Centre for Population Studies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Doherty, J., School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Pitayarangsarit, S., International Health Policy Program, Bureau of Health Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand | Background: Over the past ten years, calls to strengthen health systems research capacities in low and middle income countries have increased. One mechanism for capacity development is the partnering of northern and southern institutions. However, detailed case-studies of north-south partnerships, at least in the domain of health systems research, remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the partnerships developed between the Health Economics and Financing Programme of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and three research partners in South Africa and Thailand to strengthen health economics-related research capacity. Methods: Data from programme documents were collected over five years to measure quantitative indicators of capacity development. Qualitative data were obtained from 25 in-depth interviews with programme staff from South Africa, Thailand and London. Results and Discussion: Five years of formal partnership resulted in substantial strengthening of individual research skills and moderate instituonalised strengthening in southern partner institutions. Activities included joint proposals, research and articles, staff exchange and post-graduate training. In Thailand, individual capacities were built through post-graduate training and the partner institution developed this as part of a package aimed at retaining young researchers at the institution. In South Africa, local post-graduate teaching programs were strengthened, regular staff visits/exchanges initiated and maintained and funding secured for several large-scale, multi-partner projects. These activities could not have been achieved without good personal relationships between members of the partner institutions, built on trust developed over twenty years. In South Africa, a critical factor was the joint appointment of a London staff member on long-term secondment to one of the partner institutions. Conclusion: As partnerships mature the needs of partners change and new challenges emerge. Partners' differing research priorities (national v international; policy-led v academic-led) need to be balanced and equitable funding mechanisms developed recognising the needs and constraints faced by both southern and northern partners. Institutionalising partnerships (through long-term development of trust, engagement of a broad range of staff in joint activities and joint appointment of staff), and developing responsive mechanisms for governing these partnerships (through regular joint negotiation of research priorities and funding issues), can address these challenges in mutually acceptable ways. Indeed, by late 2005 the partnership under scrutiny in this paper had evolved into a wider consortium involving additional partners, more explicit mechanisms for managing institutional relationships and some core funding for partners. Most importantly, this study has shown that it is possible for long-term north-south partnership commitments to yield fruit and to strengthen the capacities of public health research and training institutions in less developed countries. © 2008 Mayhew et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; cooperation; developed country; health care system; health economics; interview; medical research; policy; postgraduate education; public health; publication; South Africa; Thailand; United Kingdom | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449397355 | Paediatric HIV management at primary care level: An evaluation of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) guidelines for HIV | Horwood C., Vermaak K., Rollins N., Haskins L., Nkosi P., Qazi S. | 2009 | BMC Pediatrics | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2431-9-59 | Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Horwood, C., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Vermaak, K., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Rollins, N., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa, Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Haskins, L., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Nkosi, P., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Qazi, S., Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a WHO/UNICEF strategy to improve child survival in resource poor settings. South Africa adopted IMCI in 1997, and IMCI guidelines were adapted to include identification and management of HIV infected and exposed children. This study describes the validity of the IMCI/HIV algorithm when used by IMCI experts, the use of IMCI/HIV guidelines by IMCI trained health workers in routine clinical practice, and the burden of HIV among children under 5 years attending first level health facilities. Methods: Seventy seven randomly selected IMCI trained health workers were observed in 74 health facilities in two provinces of South Africa. Consultations were observed with 1357 sick children; each child was reassessed by an IMCI expert to confirm the correct findings. Consent was requested for HIV testing of all children who attended with a parent or legal guardian. Positive rapid HIV tests were confirmed with HIV PCR in children aged less than 18 months. HIV positive children had a CD4 count and HIV clinical staging done. Results: Of 1064 children with HIV results available, 76 (7.1% CI: 5.7% - 8.9%) children were confirmed HIV positive. IMCI experts using the HIV algorithm classified 54/76 (71.1% CI: 59.5%-80.9%) HIV positive children as suspected symptomatic HIV, and 15/22 remaining HIV positive children were identified as HIV exposed. Therefore, 69/76 (90.8% CI: 81.9-96.2) HIV infected children were identified by IMCI experts. No classification was made for HIV by observed health workers in 899/1357(66.2%) children. Conclusion: 906/1243(72.9%) mothers had been tested previously for HIV, of whom 221(24.4%) reported testing positive. Of 221 children therefore identified as HIV exposed, only 78(35.3%) had been tested for HIV within routine services. The HIV algorithm is a valid tool for identifying HIV infected and exposed children when correctly and comprehensively implemented. However, it is not being used by IMCI trained health workers in routine practise, leading to a failure to implement life saving interventions. © 2009 Horwood et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antiretrovirus agent; cotrimoxazole; nevirapine; article; CD4 lymphocyte count; child; child health care; clinical protocol; continuing education; health care personnel; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence; major clinical study; polymerase chain reaction; practice guideline; preschool child; primary medical care; South Africa; Algorithms; Child, Preschool; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Practice Guidelines as Topic; Primary Health Care; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Survival Rate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70449504151 | Experiences of training and implementation of integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) in South Africa: A qualitative evaluation of the IMCI case management training course | Horwood C., Voce A., Vermaak K., Rollins N., Qazi S. | 2009 | BMC Pediatrics | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2431-9-62 | Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Horwood, C., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Voce, A., Department of Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Vermaak, K., Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa; Rollins, N., Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Umbilo Road, Durban 4013, South Africa, Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland; Qazi, S., Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland | Background: Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a strategy to reduce mortality and morbidity in children under-5 years by improving management of common illnesses at primary level. IMCI has been shown to improve health worker performance, but constraints have been identified in achieving sufficient coverage to improve child survival, and implementation remains sub-optimal. At the core of the IMCI strategy is a clinical guideline whereby health workers use a series of algorithms to assess and manage a sick child, and give counselling to carers. IMCI is taught using a structured 11-day training course that combines classroom work with clinical practise; a variety of training techniques are used, supported by comprehensive training materials and detailed instructions for facilitators. Methods: We conducted focus group discussions with IMCI trained health workers to explore their experiences of the methodology and content of the IMCI training course, whether they thought they gained the skills required for implementation, and their experiences of follow-up visits. Results: Health workers found the training interesting, informative and empowering, and there was consensus that it improved their skills in managing sick children. They appreciated the variety of learning methods employed, and felt that repetition was important to reinforce knowledge and skills. Facilitators were rated highly for their knowledge and commitment, as well as their ability to identify problems and help participants as required. However, health workers felt strongly that the training time was too short to acquire skills in all areas of IMCI. Their increased confidence in managing sick children was identified by health workers as an enabling factor for IMCI implementation in the workplace, but additional time required for IMCI consultations was expressed as a major barrier. Although follow-up visits were described as very helpful, these were often delayed and there was no ongoing clinical supervision. Conclusion: The IMCI training course was reported to be an effective method of acquiring skills, but more time is required, either during the course, or with follow-up, to improve IMCI implementation. Innovative solutions may be required to ensure that adequate skills are acquired and maintained. © 2009 Horwood et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; case management; child care; child health care; childhood disease; consensus development; consultation; controlled study; follow up; health care personnel; health care planning; health education; human; information processing; learning style; problem identification; professional knowledge; skill; South Africa; training; work experience; workplace; Case Management; Child; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Education, Professional; Health Policy; Humans; Pediatrics; Program Evaluation; Quality of Health Care; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79951787068 | Missed opportunities in TB diagnosis: A TB Process-Based Performance Review tool to evaluate and improve clinical care | Field N., Murray J., Wong M.L., Dowdeswell R., Dudumayo N., Rametsi L., Martinson N., Lipman M., Glynn J.R., Sonnenberg P. | 2011 | BMC Public Health | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-11-127 | Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Rustenburg Platinum Mines, Anglo Platinum, Rustenburg, South Africa; Lonmin PLC, Rustenburg, South Africa; Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University Center for TB Research, Baltimore, United States; Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Field, N., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Murray, J., National Institute for Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Wong, M.L., Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa; Dowdeswell, R., Rustenburg Platinum Mines, Anglo Platinum, Rustenburg, South Africa; Dudumayo, N., Lonmin PLC, Rustenburg, South Africa; Rametsi, L., Rustenburg Platinum Mines, Anglo Platinum, Rustenburg, South Africa; Martinson, N., Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Johns Hopkins University Center for TB Research, Baltimore, United States; Lipman, M., Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Glynn, J.R., Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Sonnenberg, P., Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom | Background: Traditional tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcome measures, such as cure rate, do not provide insight into the underlying reasons for missing clinical targets. We evaluated a TB Process-Based Performance Review (TB-PBPR) tool, developed to identify "missed opportunities" for timely and accurate diagnosis of TB. The tool enables performance assessment at the level of process and quality of care. Methods. The TB-PBPR tool is a single-page structured flow-sheet that identifies 14 clinical actions (grouped into elicited symptoms, clinical examination and investigations). Medical records from selected deceased patients were reviewed at two South African mine hospitals (A = 56 cases; B = 26 cases), a South African teaching hospital (C = 20 cases) and a UK teaching hospital (D = 13 cases). Results: In hospital A, where autopsy was routine, TB was missed in life in 52% (23/44) of cases and was wrongly attributed as the cause of death in 16% (18/110). Clinical omissions were identified at each hospital and at every stage of clinical management. For example, recording of chest symptoms was omitted in up to 39% of cases, sputum smear examination in up to 85% and chest radiograph in up to 38% of cases respectively. Conclusions: This study introduces the TB-PBPR tool as a novel method to review and evaluate clinical performance in TB management. We found that simple clinical actions were omitted in many cases. The tool, in conjunction with a manual describing best practice, is adaptable to a range of settings, is educational and enables detailed feedback within a TB programme. The TB-PBPR tool and manual are both freely available for general use. © 2011 Field et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; aged; article; female; human; male; medical audit; middle aged; South Africa; standard; teaching hospital; tuberculin test; tuberculosis; United Kingdom; Adult; Aged; Female; Great Britain; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Medical Audit; Middle Aged; South Africa; Tuberculin Test; Tuberculosis; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84893179157 | High performance anode based on a partially fluorinated sulfonated polyether for direct methanol fuel cells operating at 130 C | Mack F., Gogel V., Jörissen L., Kerres J. | 2014 | Journal of Power Sources | 255 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.01.029 | Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg, Division 3, Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081, Germany; Helmholtz Institute Ulm, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081 Ulm, Germany; Institute of Chemical Process Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Boeblingerstr. 72, D-70199 Stuttgart, Germany; North-West University, Chemical Resource Beneficiation, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Mack, F., Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg, Division 3, Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081, Germany, Helmholtz Institute Ulm, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081 Ulm, Germany; Gogel, V., Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg, Division 3, Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081, Germany; Jörissen, L., Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg, Division 3, Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081, Germany; Kerres, J., Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg, Division 3, Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion, Helmholtzstr. 8, D-89081, Germany, Institute of Chemical Process Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Boeblingerstr. 72, D-70199 Stuttgart, Germany, North-West University, Chemical Resource Beneficiation, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Due to the disadvantages of the Nafion polymer for the application in the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) especial at temperatures above 100 C several polymers of the hydrocarbon type have already been investigated as membranes and ionomers in the DMFC. Among them were nonfluorinated and partially fluorinated arylene main-chain hydrocarbon polymers. In previous work, sulfonated polysulfone (sPSU) has been applied as the proton-conductive binder in the anode of a DMFC, ending up in good and stable performance. In continuation of this work, in the study presented here a polymer was prepared by polycondensation of decafluorobiphenyl and bisphenol AF. The formed polymer was sulfonated after polycondensation by oleum and the obtained partially fluorinated sulfonated polyether (SFS) was used as the binder and proton conductor in a DMFC anode operating at a temperature of 130 C. The SFS based anode with 5% as ionomer showed comparable performance for the methanol oxidation to Nafion based anodes and significant reduced performance degradation versus Nafion and sPSU based anodes on the Nafion 115 membrane. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with the SFS based anode showed drastically improved performance compared to MEAs with Nafion based anodes during operation with lower air pressure at the cathode. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Anode; Catalyst layer; DMFC; Ionomer; Medium temperature; Partially fluorinated sulfonated polyether | Catalyst layers; High-performance anodes; Medium temperature; Membrane electrode assemblies; Partially fluorinated; Performance degradation; Sulfonated polyether; Sulfonated polysulfone; Anodes; Atmospheric pressure; Binders; Ethers; Ionomers; Polycondensation; Polymers; Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907535044 | Mathematical modelling for the social impact to energy efficiency savings | Ekpenyong U.E., Zhang J., Xia X. | 2014 | Energy and Buildings | 84 | None | 10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.08.019 | Centre of New Energy Systems, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom | Ekpenyong, U.E., Centre of New Energy Systems, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Zhang, J., Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom; Xia, X., Centre of New Energy Systems, Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | In this paper, a mathematical model is formulated to quantify the social impact an individual has on his/her community when he/she performs any energy efficiency project and transmits that information to his/her neighbours. This model is called the expected power savings model; it combines direct and indirect expected power savings of the energy efficiency project for each individual within the network. The indirect savings are quantified through the social interactions people in the network. The example used in this paper illustrates the effectiveness of the model by identifying the households who should have free solar water heaters installed in their residential houses based on their influence through interactions in their community. Two case studies are considered in this paper, single and multiple sources case studies. In the multiple source case study, the results show that it is not necessarily the people with the highest connections who provide the maximum expected power savings. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Influence; Information transfer; Probability; Social impact; Social network; Solar water heaters | Energy efficiency; Probability; Social networking (online); Solar water heaters; Efficiency savings; Influence; Information transfers; Social impact; Energy utilization | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855999356 | Structure-based design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-pyrazole, N′-thiazole urea inhibitors of MAP kinase p38α | Getlik M., Grütter C., Simard J.R., Nguyen H.D., Robubi A., Aust B., Van Otterlo W.A.L., Rauh D. | 2012 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 48 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.11.019 | Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Fakultät Chemie, Chemische Biologie, Technische Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Getlik, M., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Grütter, C., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany, Fakultät Chemie, Chemische Biologie, Technische Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Simard, J.R., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Nguyen, H.D., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Robubi, A., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Aust, B., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany; Van Otterlo, W.A.L., Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Rauh, D., Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany, Fakultät Chemie, Chemische Biologie, Technische Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany | In this paper, we present the structure-based design, synthesis and biological activity of N-pyrazole, N′-thiazole-ureas as potent inhibitors of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK). Guided by complex crystal structures, we employed the initially identified N-aryl, N′-thiazole urea scaffold and introduced key structural elements that allowed the formation of novel hydrogen bonding interactions within the allosteric site of p38α, resulting in potent type III inhibitors. [4-(3-tert-Butyl-5-{[(1,3-thiazol-2-ylamino)carbonyl]amino}-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) -phenyl]acetic acid 18c was found to be the most potent compound within this series and inhibited p38α activity with an IC 50 of 135 ± 21 nM. Its closest analog, ethyl [4-(3-tert-butyl-5-{[(1,3-thiazol-2-ylamino) carbonyl]amino}-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetate 18b, effectively inhibited p38α mediated phosphorylation of the mitogen activated protein kinase activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) in HeLa cells. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | DFG-out; Kinase inhibitors; p38α MAPK | [3 [5 [[[[4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]amino]carbonyl]amino] 3 cyclopentyl 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetic acid; [3 [5 [[[[4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]amino]carbonyl]amino] 3 cyclopropyl 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetic acid; [3 [5 [[[[4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]amino]carbonyl]amino] 3 tert butyl 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetic acid; [4 [3 tert butyl 5 [[(1,3 thiazol 2 ylamino)carbonyl]amino] 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetate; [4 [3 tert butyl 5 [[(1,3 thiazol 2 ylamino)carbonyl]amino] 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetic acid; [4 [5 [[[[4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]amino]carbonyl]amino] 3 cyclopentyl 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetic acid; [4 [5 [[[[4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]amino]carbonyl]amino] 3 tert butyl 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetic acid; ethyl [4 [3 tert butyl 5 [[(1,3 thiazol 2 ylamino)carbonyl]amino] 1h pyrazol 1 yl]phenyl]acetate; mitogen activated protein kinase 14; mitogen activated protein kinase p38 inhibitor; n [3 tert butyl 1 (4 methylphenyl) 1h pyrazol 5 yl] n' (1,3 thiazol 2 yl)urea; n [3 tert butyl 1 (4 methylphenyl) 1h pyrazol 5 yl] n' [4 [2 (4 pyridinylmethoxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]urea; n [3 tert butyl 1 (4 methylphenyl) 1h pyrazol 5 yl] n' [4 [2 [(4 fluorobenzyl)oxy]ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl]urea; n [4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl] 3 fluoro 5 (4 morpholinyl)benzamide; n [4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl] n' [3 tert butyl 1 (4 methylphenyl) 1h pyrazol 5 yl]urea; n [4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 yl] n' [4 chloro 3 (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]urea; pyrazole derivative; tert butyl 4 (2 hydroxyethyl) 1,3 thiazol 2 ylcarbamate; tert butyl 4 [2 (4 pyridinylmethoxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 ylcarbamate; tert butyl 4 [2 (benzyloxy)ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 ylcarbamate; tert butyl 4 [2 [(4 fluorobenzyl)oxy]ethyl] 1,3 thiazol 2 ylcarbamate; thiazole derivative; unclassified drug; urea derivative; article; biological activity; controlled study; crystal structure; drug design; drug potency; drug screening; drug structure; drug synthesis; enzyme phosphorylation; female; HeLa cell; human; human cell; pharmacological blocking; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14; Models, Molecular; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrazoles; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Structure-Activity Relationship; Thiazoles; Urea; X-Ray Diffraction | None |
| WoS | WOS:000303928900011 | Impact of a hospital improvement initiative in Bangladesh on patient experiences and satisfaction with services: two cross-sectional studies | Andersson, Neil,Cockcroft, Anne,Omer, Khalid | 2011 | BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 11 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-11-S2-S10 | CIET Pakistan, CIET Trust Botswana, Univ Autonoma Guerrero | None | Background: The Bangladesh government implemented a pilot Hospital Improvement Initiative (HII) in five hospitals in Sylhet division between 1998 and 2003. This included management and behaviour change training for staff, waste disposal and procurement, and referral arrangements. Two linked cross-sectional surveys in 2000 and 2003 assessed the impact of the HII, assessing both patients' experience and satisfaction and public views and use of the hospitals.
Methods: In each survey we asked 300 consecutive outpatients and a stratified random sample of 300 inpatients in the five hospitals about waiting and consultation time, use of an agent for admission, and satisfaction with privacy, cleanliness, and staff behaviour. The field teams observed cleanliness and privacy arrangements, and visited a sample of households in communities near the hospitals to ask about their opinions and use of the hospital services. Analysis examined changes over time in patients' experience and views. Multivariate analysis took account of other variables potentially associated with the outcomes. Survey managers discussed the survey findings with gender stratified focus groups in each sample community.
Results: Compared with 2000, an outpatient in three of the hospitals in 2003 was more likely to be seen within 10 minutes and for at least five minutes by the doctor, but outpatients were less likely to report receiving all the prescribed medicines from the hospital. In 2003, inpatients were more likely to have secured admission without using an agent. Although patients' satisfaction with several aspects of care improved, most changes were not statistically significant. Households in 2003 were significantly more likely to rate the hospitals as good than in 2000. Use of the hospitals did not change, except that more households used the medical college hospital for inpatient care in 2003. Focus groups confirmed criticisms of services and suggested improvements.
Conclusion: Improvements in some aspects of patients' experience may have been due to the programme, but the decreased availability of medicines in government facilities across the country over the period also occurred in these hospitals. Monitoring patients' experience and satisfaction as well as public views and use of hospital services is feasible and useful for assessing service interventions. | ,CARE,FRAMEWORK,NATIONAL-SURVEY,PERFORMANCE,"PRIVATE HOSPITALS",QUALITY,QUESTIONNAIRE,RELIABILITY | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84884937244 | Imino-phosphine palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes: Synthesis, molecular structures and evaluation as antitumor agents | Motswainyana W.M., Onani M.O., Madiehe A.M., Saibu M., Thovhogi N., Lalancette R.A. | 2013 | Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry | 129 | None | 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2013.09.010 | Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Carl A. Olson Memorial Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, United States | Motswainyana, W.M., Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Onani, M.O., Chemistry Department, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Madiehe, A.M., Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Saibu, M., Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Thovhogi, N., Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa; Lalancette, R.A., Carl A. Olson Memorial Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, United States | The imino-phosphine ligands L1 and L2 were prepared via condensation reaction of 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde with substituted anilines and obtained in very good yields. An equimolar reaction of L1 and L2 with either PdCl2(cod) or PtCl2(cod) gave new palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes 1-4. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 2, 3 and 4 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. All the three molecular structures crystallized in monoclinic C2/c space system. The coordination geometry around the palladium and platinum atoms in respective structures exhibited distorted square planar geometry at the metal centers. The complexes were evaluated in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against human breast (MCF-7) and human colon (HT-29) cancer cells, and they exhibited growth inhibitory activities and selectivity that were superior to the standard compound cisplatin. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. | Antitumor; Imino-phosphine; Molecular structures; Palladium; Platinum; Synthesis | (2 diphenylphosphino benzylidene) 2 methylphenylen amine; (2 diphenylphosphino benzylidene) 2,6 dimethylphenylen amine; 2 (diphenylphosphino) benzaldehyde; aniline; antineoplastic agent; cisplatin; dichloro [(2 diphenylphosphino benzylidene) 2 methylphenylen amine] palladium; dichloro [(2 diphenylphosphino benzylidene) 2,6 dimethylphenylen amine] palladium; dichloro [(2 diphenylphosphino benzylidene) 2,6 dimethylphenylen amine] platinum; dichloro[(2 diphenylphosphino benzylidene) 2 methylphenylen amine] palladium; element; palladium; platinum; unclassified drug; analysis; article; breast cancer; cancer cell; cell strain MCF 7; chemical structure; colon cancer; drug synthesis; growth inhibition; human; human cell; in vitro study; nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; polymerization; X ray crystallography; Antitumor; Imino-phosphine; Molecular structures; Palladium; Platinum; Synthesis; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Crystallography, X-Ray; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Humans; Molecular Structure; Neoplasms; Palladium; Phosphines; Platinum | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867015332 | The impact of Desmodium spp. and cutting regimes on the agronomic and economic performance of Desmodium-maize intercropping system in western Kenya | Kifuko-Koech M., Pypers P., Okalebo J.R., Othieno C.O., Khan Z.R., Pickett J.A., Kipkoech A.K., Vanlauwe B. | 2012 | Field Crops Research | 137 | None | 10.1016/j.fcr.2012.08.007 | Chepkoilel University College, A Constituent of Moi University, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2TQ, United Kingdom; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kitale, P.O. Box 450, Kitale, Kenya | Kifuko-Koech, M., Chepkoilel University College, A Constituent of Moi University, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kitale, P.O. Box 450, Kitale, Kenya; Pypers, P., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Okalebo, J.R., Chepkoilel University College, A Constituent of Moi University, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Othieno, C.O., Chepkoilel University College, A Constituent of Moi University, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Khan, Z.R., International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Pickett, J.A., Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2TQ, United Kingdom; Kipkoech, A.K., Chepkoilel University College, A Constituent of Moi University, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya; Vanlauwe, B., Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, United Nations Avenue, P.O. Box 30677-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Low soil fertility, stemborers (particularly, Chilo partellus) and Striga weeds (Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica) are major limitations to production of maize in western Kenya. The " Push-Pull" technology ("PPT") has been described as an appropriate innovative technology capable of addressing these constraints. The technology involves intercropping maize with Desmodium and planting Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) around the intercrop, but in the current study a modified PPT was used and Napier grass was not included. Field trials were conducted in two locations in western Kenya during 4 subsequent seasons to test the hypothesis that maize yield, the degree of Striga suppression and economic benefits of intercropping maize with Desmodium are affected by: (i) the related biomass production by different Desmodium species and (ii) the cutting regime of the Desmodium. Maize was intercropped with Desmodium uncinatum (Jacq.) DC, cv Silverleaf or Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. cv Greenleaf, and treatments with sole maize (with and without urea) were included for comparison. To eliminate phosphorus (P) deficiency, all treatments received basal P. The first two Desmodium cutting events were fixed at land preparation i.e. at the start of every season, and 4 weeks later, following the recommended practice, while the third cutting was varied and conducted at 9, 12 or 18 weeks after planting maize. Maize yield in the Desmodium-maize intercropping system was only higher than sole maize without urea from the third season. This implies that when P is not limiting inclusion of Desmodium spp. into the maize cropping system would provide a substitute for inorganic N fertilizers to enhance crop growth and yield after Desmodium becomes well established. Cumulative maize grain yield over the four seasons with the D. intortum and D. uncinatum intercrops were 6.3 and 7.0, and 10.9 and 11.6tha -1 in Busia and Siaya, respectively, and significantly higher than or comparable to a maize monocrop (5.8 and 11.8tha -1). Average net benefits from Desmodium intercropping over the four seasons were increased by 1290 and 918$ha -1 relative to the maize monocrop in Busia and Siaya, respectively. Biomass yields were significantly higher for D. intortum than for D. uncinatum. Varying the time of the third Desmodium cutting had little effect on Desmodium biomass yields or maize grain yields in Busia, while in Siaya, D. intortum biomass yields were highest when cut at 12 weeks after planting. In the Desmodium intercropping systems, Striga counts were reduced by 95% in Busia and by 65-90% in Siaya with higher reductions when Desmodium was cut at 18 weeks after planting. In summary, the use of PPT provides robust and high economic benefits to smallholder farmers in western Kenya. The use of D. uncinatum with the third cutting at 18 weeks after planting is recommended, but can be modified according to the need for fodder without much effect on maize yield or revenue. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Desmodium intortum; Desmodium uncinatum; Maize; Striga | agricultural management; agronomy; crop yield; economic analysis; grass; innovation; intercropping; maize; Busia; Kenya; Nyanza; Siaya; Western Province [Kenya]; Animalia; Chilo partellus; Desmodium; Desmodium intortum; Desmodium uncinatum; Pennisetum; Pennisetum purpureum; Striga; Striga asiatica; Striga hermonthica; Zea mays | 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000209108100013 | Assessing the impact of TB/HIV services integration on TB treatment outcomes and their relevance in TB/HIV monitoring in Ghana | Ansa, Gloria Akosua,Siddiqi, Kamran,Walley, John D.,Wei, Xiaolin | 2012 | INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY | 1 | None | 10.1186/2049-9957-1-13 | Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Ghana, University of Leeds, University of York - UK | "Ansa, Gloria Akosua: University of Ghana","Siddiqi, Kamran: University of York - UK","Walley, John D.: University of Leeds","Wei, Xiaolin: Chinese University of Hong Kong" | Background: The impact of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on tuberculosis (TB), and the implications for TB and HIV control, is a public health challenge in Ghana - almost a quarter (23%) of all TB cases were HIV positive in 2010. The integration of TB/HIV services has therefore emerged as an essential component of the national response to TB and HIV. The aim is to reduce fragmentation, improve access, enhance efficiency and improve quality of care. Ghana's TB/HIV policy comprises three linked sets of activities: effective implementation of the Stop TB Strategy for TB control, improved HIV prevention and care, and the implementation of additional TB/HIV activities. Different models of service delivery with increasing integration of TB/HIV activities are expected to provide greater access to more comprehensive care. The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of TB/HIV integration on TB treatment outcomes and to explore the usefulness of TB treatment outcomes as TB/HIV indicators.
Methods: A before-and-after study to observe the introduction of TB/HIV activities into TB programmes in three hospitals with different levels of integration was conducted. Anonymised patient data was collated from TB registers from each facility, and analysed to determine if TB treatment outcomes changed significantly after integration.
Results: TB treatment success was 50% (95% CI 49 - 52) prior to, and 69% (95% CI 65 - 73) after, integration (chi(2) 43.96, p < 0.00). Treatment success increased from 43% to 53% at the one-stop shop (OSS), from 69% to 78% at the partially integrated site (PIS) and substantially from 46% to 78% at the referral site (RS) (chi(2) 64.54; p<0.01). Defaults and cases transferred out reduced from 14.3% and 15.3% prior to integration, to 1.4% and 9.0% after integration, respectively, accounting for a significant increase in treatment success. Death rates remained high at 18% in all cases studied and 25% in HIV-associated cases after integration.
Conclusion: TB/HIV integration may improve TB treatment success, but its exact impact is difficult to ascertain due to non-specificity and design limitations. TB mortality may be more useful as an indicator for monitoring TB/HIV activities in Ghana. | HIV,indicator,INTEGRATION,"one-stop shop","partial integration",REFERRAL,"TREATMENT OUTCOME",TUBERCULOSIS | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952326333 | Non-uniformity of storm impacts on three high-energy embayed beaches | Loureiro C., Ferreira O., Cooper J.A.G. | 2014 | Journal of Coastal Research | 70 | None | 10.2112/SI70-055.1 | CIMA - Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade Do Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Centre for Coastal and Marine Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom; Geological Sciences, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa | Loureiro, C., CIMA - Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade Do Algarve, Faro, Portugal, Centre for Coastal and Marine Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Geological Sciences, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa; Ferreira, O., CIMA - Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, Universidade Do Algarve, Faro, Portugal; Cooper, J.A.G., Centre for Coastal and Marine Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Geological Sciences, School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa | Coastal storms are highly significant and destructive events and important natural hazards that have major impacts upon the physical and human-cultural coastline environments. Exceptional coastal storms in the last decades have emphasized the urgent need to reinforce scientific knowledge regarding the frequency, impact and role of these extreme events. This is particularly relevant for embayed beaches, where geomorphological control promotes characteristic morphodynamic responses that are distinct from the better studied long-linear beaches. This paper analyses storm response from datasets of morphological change obtained from three embayments located in three distinct wave environments. Analysis of the morphological response to extreme storm events, particularly the 2007 March Equinox storm in eastern South Africa, the January-February 2009 storm group in southwestern Portugal and the December 2011-January 2012 storm group in northwestern Ireland, demonstrate that storm-induced morphological change in the Durban Bight, Arrifana beach and Portstewart Strand is highly variable alongshore. Retreat values for the mean high water spring shoreline are shown to differ significantly within each embayment. This alongshore non-uniform response to storm-events is attributed to boundary effects triggered by the presence of natural headlands or outcrops and/or artificial engineering structures. Megarip development drives variability in storm response in Arrifana, while wave shadowing and interruption of longshore sediment movement under south-easterly/west-northwesterly storm waves promotes the northward/westward increase in shoreline retreat in the Durban Bight and Portstewart Strand, respectively. Boundary effects significantly influence short-term morphodynamic behaviour during storms and, consequently, determine alongshore non-uniform morphologic response to storm events, irrespective of embayment dimensions and event magnitude. © Coastal Education & Research Foundation 2014. | alongshore variability; beach surveys; erosion; geological control | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896361933 | Evaluation of acaricide-treated string curtains for control of two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) on greenhouse roses and impact of the string curtain on the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari | Deletre E.M., Bonafos R., Martin T. | 2014 | Crop Protection | 60 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2014.02.005 | Cirad, UPR Hortsys, Montferrier, 34980 Montpellier, France; SupAgro, USAE, 34000 Montpellier, France; Icipe, African Insect Science for Food and Health, Plant Health Division, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Deletre, E.M., Cirad, UPR Hortsys, Montferrier, 34980 Montpellier, France; Bonafos, R., SupAgro, USAE, 34000 Montpellier, France; Martin, T., Cirad, UPR Hortsys, Montferrier, 34980 Montpellier, France, Icipe, African Insect Science for Food and Health, Plant Health Division, PO Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya | Foliar sprays of pesticides are frequently used to control two-spotted mites on rose flowers, but these also destroy predatory mites and pose a high risk of contamination for humans and the environment. Using a novel approach to avoid spray applications on rose plants, modified acaricide-treated string curtains were adapted to control the pest. Two main aims of this study were: (i) to identify the lethal concentration of string curtains treated with propargite, dicofol, flufenoxuron, acrinathrin or tau-fluvalinate (τ-fluvalinate) on Tetranychus urticae, and (ii) to test the design (feasibility) and efficiency of the string curtains to trap the phytophagous mites on the plants during their circadian migration. Bioassay results in the lab confirmed T.urticae circadian migration, toxicity of the five kinds of treated string curtains and a concentration-dependent repellent effect of each chemical on T.urticae females. Of the two products tested in the field, dicofol was more effective than acrinathrin in controlling T.urticae compared to an acaricidal spray of the same products. The effect of acaricide-treated string curtain use on Phytoseiulus persimilis did not differ significantly from the control. The string curtain technique proved to be effective, but because of some biotic and abiotic constraints and the low economic threshold of mites, even for the commercialized high canopy stem roses, the present device could be more appropriate for another horticultural crop, e.g. tomato. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Impregnated material; Phytoseiulus persimilis; Repellency; Roses; Tetranychus urticae; Toxicity | acaricide; bioassay; canopy; design; horticulture; migration; mite; pest control; pesticide; pollution effect; predator; risk factor; shrub; threshold; toxicity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929598046 | Imazalil resistance in Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum causing citrus postharvest green and blue mould: Impact and options | Erasmus A., Lennox C.L., Korsten L., Lesar K., Fourie P.H. | 2015 | Postharvest Biology and Technology | 107 | None | 10.1016/j.postharvbio.2015.05.008 | Citrus Research International, 2 Baker Street, Nelspruit, South Africa; Department of Plant Pathology, University Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Erasmus, A., Citrus Research International, 2 Baker Street, Nelspruit, South Africa; Lennox, C.L., Department of Plant Pathology, University Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Korsten, L., Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Lesar, K., Citrus Research International, 2 Baker Street, Nelspruit, South Africa; Fourie, P.H., Citrus Research International, 2 Baker Street, Nelspruit, South Africa, Department of Plant Pathology, University Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Citrus green and blue mould, caused by Penicillium digitatum (PD) and Penicillium italicum (PI), respectively, are mostly controlled by means of postharvest fungicide applications. Currently, IMZ is regarded as the most effective fungicide in use. Effective IMZ concentrations that inhibit 50% (EC<inf>50</inf>) growth of nine PD and five PI isolates were assessed in vitro and the various isolates categorized according to their resistance (R) factors. Effective residue levels that provided 50% curative (ER<inf>50</inf>C) and protective (ER<inf>50</inf>P) control of these isolates were determined in vivo. All the PI isolates were sensitive, having EC<inf>50</inf> values of 0.005-0.050μgmL-1. Three PD isolates were sensitive (0.027-0.038μgmL-1), while one resistant isolate was categorized as low resistant (R-factor of 19), one as moderately resistant (R-factor of 33.2), three as resistant (R-factor of 50-57.6) and one as highly resistant (R-factor of 70.7). Sensitive PD isolates had mean ER<inf>50</inf>C and ER<inf>50</inf>P values on Valencia orange fruit of 0.29 and 0.20μgg-1, and 0.33 and 0.32μgg-1 on navel fruit, respectively. ER<inf>50</inf> values for resistant isolates did not always correlate with EC<inf>50</inf> values and ranged from 1.22 to 4.56μgg-1 for ER<inf>50</inf>C and 1.00-6.62μgg-1 for ER<inf>50</inf>P values. ER<inf>50</inf>P values for resistant isolates could not be obtained on navel orange fruit, but ER<inf>50</inf>C values (1.42-1.65μgg-1) were similar to those obtained on Valencia fruit. The PI isolates all behaved similar to the sensitive PD isolates with ER<inf>50</inf>C and ER<inf>50</inf>P values on navel and Valencia fruit <0.38μgg-1. Alternative fungicides were assessed for the control of an IMZ sensitive, resistant and highly resistant PD isolate; these included sodium ortho-phenylpenate (SOPP), thiabendazole (TBZ), guazatine (GZT), imazalil (IMZ), pyrimethanil (PYR) and Philabuster® (PLB; a combination of IMZ and PYR), fludioxonil (FLU), azoxystrobin (AZO), Graduate®A+ (GRA; a combination of FLU and AZO) and propiconazole (PPZ). Multiple fungicide resistance was shown to IMZ, GZT, TBZ and PPZ in both resistant isolates. For the sensitive isolates, IMZ, SOPP, TBZ, GZT and PLB provided best curative control, while IMZ, GZT and PLB provided best protective control. For the IMZ-resistant isolates, SOPP, PYR and PLB gave the best curative control, while none of the fungicides provided adequate protective control. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Azoxystrobin; Fludioxonil; Fungicide; Guazatine; Propiconazole; Pyrimethanil; Residue; Thiabendazole | Citrus; Citrus sinensis; Penicillium digitatum; Penicillium italicum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890152411 | Damage evaluation in gap tubular truss 'K' bridge joints using SFEM | Jiki P.N., Agber J.U. | 2014 | Journal of Constructional Steel Research | 93 | None | 10.1016/j.jcsr.2013.10.010 | Civil Engineering Department, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Electrical Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | Jiki, P.N., Civil Engineering Department, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria; Agber, J.U., Electrical Engineering, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria | A damage stiffness parameter a of the shell element is calculated analytically using the fracture mechanics concept. A smooth quad T4 element was modified using the calculated parameter α. The modified element was introduced at the junction between the chord/brace connection where welding defect had taken place, while the unmodified same element was used elsewhere on the joint. Thereafter, a finite element analysis was carried out using thin shell theory and the smooth element formulation to investigate the effect of brace spacing on the distribution of stress concentrations in the welded tubular 'K' joint. This was done in order to investigate the level of stress concentrations and damage in the welded connection in the tubular joint. The joint was first modelled with no gap between the braces and a finite element computer run was made. Thereafter, the joint was modelled with brace gaps from 10 mm to 70 mm and finite element computer runs were made. The results obtained were then compared with those published in the literature. It was found that the presence of variable gaps between braces of the joint together with pre-crack affects the strength of tubular 'K' joints appreciably. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Computer simulation; Effect of bracing; Smoothed finite element; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Structural joints; Tubular truss bridges | Effect of bracing; Element formulation; Smoothed finite elements; Stiffness parameters; Structural joints; Thin shell theory; Tubular truss; Welded connections; Computer simulation; Fracture mechanics; Trusses; Welding; Stress concentration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901690560 | Characterisation of raw sewage and performance assessment of primary settling tanks at Firle Sewage Treatment Works, Harare, Zimbabwe | Muserere S.T., Hoko Z., Nhapi I. | 2014 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2013.10.004 | Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Harare Water Department, City of Harare, Old Mutual House Corner, Sam Nujoma and Speke Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe | Muserere, S.T., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, Harare Water Department, City of Harare, Old Mutual House Corner, Sam Nujoma and Speke Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Nhapi, I., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | The need for more stringent effluent discharge standards as prescribed by the Environmental Management Act 20:27 to protect the environment can be sustainably achieved with the aid of Activated Sludge Models. Thus, the researchers believe it is time to re-evaluate wastewater characteristics at Firle Sewage Treatment Works (STW) and make use of activated sludge simulators to address pollution challenges caused by the sewage plant. Therefore, this paper characterizes raw sewage and assesses settled and unsettled sewage in order to evaluate the performance of the primary treatment system and the suitability of the settled sewage for treatment by the subsequent Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system at Firle STW. Parameters studied included COD, BOD, TKN, TP, NH3, TSS, pH and Alkalinity. Composite samples were collected over a 9-day campaign period (27 June to 6 July 2012), hourly grab samples over 24hrs and composite samples on 6 March 2012 which were then analysed in the lab in accordance with Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater to support the City of Harare 2004-2012 lab historical records. Concentrations for unsettled sewage in mg/L were COD (527±32), BOD (297±83) TKN (19.0±2.0), TP (18±3), NH3 (24.0±12.9), TSS (219±57), while pH was 7.0±0 and Alkalinity 266±36mg/L. For settled sewage the corresponding values in mg/L were COD (522±15), BOD (324±102), TKN (21.0±3.0), TP (19.0±2.0), NH3 (25.6±11.2), TSS (250±66), while pH was 7.0±0 and Alkalinity 271±17mg/L. The plant design values for raw sewage are COD (650mg/L), BOD (200mg/L), TKN (40mg/L) and TP (11mg/L). Thus, COD and nitrogen were within the plant design range while BOD and TP were higher. Treatability of sewage in BNR systems is often inferred from the levels of critical parameters and also the ratios of TKN/COD and COD/TP. The wastewater average settled COD/BOD, COD/TP and TKN/COD ratio were 1.7±0.5, 27.1±3.1 and 0.04±0.01 respectively and corresponding unsettled ratios were 1.8±0.5, 30.77±6.8 and 0.04±0 respectively. Thus, treatability by the 3-stage BNR system appears highly feasible for nitrogen and is likely to be complex for phosphorous. Fractionation of COD, TP and TN is recommended to appropriately advise further steps to optimise the plant operations. © 2013 The Authors. | Biological Nutrient Removal; Characterise; Firle Sewage Treatment Works; Settled sewage; Treatability of sewage | Activated sludge process; Alkalinity; Effluents; Environmental management; Nitrogen; Nutrients; pH; Activated sludge model; Biological nutrient removal; Characterise; Effluent discharge; Performance assessment; Sewage treatment works; Wastewater characteristics; Water and wastewater; Biological sewage treatment; activated sludge; biochemical oxygen demand; chemical oxygen demand; performance assessment; sewage; sewage treatment; Harare [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749070374 | Assessment of the impacts of pit latrines on groundwater quality in rural areas: A case study from Marondera district, Zimbabwe | Dzwairo B., Hoko Z., Love D., Guzha E. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.031 | Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Mvuramanzi Trust, P.O. Box MR103, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe | Dzwairo, B., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Civil Engineering Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Love, D., Geology Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Guzha, E., Mvuramanzi Trust, P.O. Box MR103, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe | In resource-poor and low-population-density areas, on-site sanitation is preferred to off-site sanitation and groundwater is the main source of water for domestic uses. Groundwater pollution potential from on-site sanitation in such areas conflicts with Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles that advocate for sustainable use of water resources. Given the widespread use of groundwater for domestic purposes in rural areas, maintaining groundwater quality is a critical livelihood intervention. This study assessed impacts of pit latrines on groundwater quality in Kamangira village, Marondera district, Zimbabwe. Groundwater samples from 14 monitoring boreholes and 3 shallow wells were analysed during 6 sampling campaigns, from February 2005 to May 2005. Parameters analysed were total and faecal coliforms, NH4+ s(-) N, NO3- s(-) N, conductivity, turbidity and pH, both for boreholes and shallow wells. Total and faecal coliforms both ranged 0-TNTC (too-numerous-to-count), 78% of results meeting the 0 CFU/100 ml WHO guidelines value. NH4+ s(-) N range was 0-2.0 mg/l, with 99% of results falling below the 1.5 mg/l WHO recommended value. NO3- s(-) N range was 0.0-6.7 mg/l, within 10 mg/l WHO guidelines value. The range for conductivity values was 46-370 μS/cm while the pH range was 6.8-7.9. There are no WHO guideline values for these two parameters. Turbidity ranged from 1 NTU to 45 NTU, 59% of results meeting the 5 NTU WHO guidelines limit. Depth from the ground surface to the water table for the period February 2005 to May 2005 was determined for all sampling points using a tape measure. The drop in water table averaged from 1.1 m to 1.9 m and these values were obtained by subtracting water table elevations from absolute ground surface elevation. Soil from the monitoring boreholes was classified as sandy. The soil infiltration layer was taken as the layer between the pit latrine bottom and the water table. It averaged from 1.3 m to 1.7 m above the water table for two latrines and 2-3.2 m below it for one pit latrine. A questionnaire survey revealed the prevalence of diarrhoea and structural failure of latrines. Results indicated that pit latrines were microbiologically impacting on groundwater quality up to 25 m lateral distance. Nitrogen values were of no immediate threat to health. The shallow water table increased pollution potential from pit latrines. Raised and lined pit latrines and other low-cost technologies should be considered to minimize potential of groundwater pollution. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Groundwater pollution; Groundwater quality; Infiltration layer; On-site sanitation; Pit latrines; Sandy soil | Coliform bacteria; pH effects; Sand; Sanitation; Soils; Water analysis; Water quality; Water wells; Groundwater quality; Infiltration layer; Pit latrines; Sandy soil; Groundwater pollution; groundwater pollution; health impact; pollution monitoring; sanitation; water management; water planning; water quality; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84889666483 | Flotation of PGM-containing minerals: Plant-wide regression and prediction of circuit performance | Du Preez N.B., Crundwell F.K., Knights B.D.H. | 2013 | Minerals Engineering | 54 | None | 10.1016/j.mineng.2013.06.008 | CM Solutions, PO Box 1286, Parklands 2121, South Africa | Du Preez, N.B., CM Solutions, PO Box 1286, Parklands 2121, South Africa; Crundwell, F.K., CM Solutions, PO Box 1286, Parklands 2121, South Africa; Knights, B.D.H., CM Solutions, PO Box 1286, Parklands 2121, South Africa | A crucial step in the processing of PGM-bearing reefs in South Africa is the flotation of the sulfidic minerals from the host rock. Flotation plays a crucial role in reducing the mass of material to be processed further downstream by smelting, converting and hydrometallurgical refining. However, flotation has the lowest recovery of valuable metals along the processing chain. As a result, small improvements in efficiency in flotation have an enormous benefit to the company's performance. Modelling and simulation play an important role in circuit optimisation, due to the ability to test and examine multiple options in a small amount of time without affecting the operational circuit. Unfortunately flotation is extremely difficult to model and simulate due to the complexity of the mechanism and the large number of variables involved. Whole circuit modelling is even more difficult, for the reasons already mentioned as well as maintaining a consistent mass balance in the face of multiple recycle streams. The purpose of this work is to construct a whole-circuit model of a flotation circuit, and use the model to predict the effect of changes to the flotation circuit. A goal in the construction of the model was to use as few parameters as possible. The work presented in this paper is focused on the regression of the parameters of a first-order kinetic flotation model to actual pilot plant data. The performance of the model was then validated by predicting the behaviour of a modified flotation circuit. The regression showed excellent correlation with actual plant data on a bank by bank basis. Using the regressed parameters directly on a modified circuit configuration, the model was able to predict the circuit behaviour when compared to plant data. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Flotation kinetics; Mass balance smoothing; Plant-wide regression; Recycle streams | Circuit configurations; Flotation kinetics; Mass balance; Modelling and simulations; Plant wides; Recovery of valuable metals; Recycle stream; Regression and prediction; Circuit theory; Forecasting; Metal recovery; Pilot plants; Recycling; Regression analysis; Flotation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896722850 | An evaluation of a new automated duplicate-sample Fischer Assay setup according to ISO/ASTM standards and analysis of the tar fraction | Roets L., Bunt J.R., Neomagus H.W.J.P., Van Niekerk D. | 2014 | Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis | 106 | None | 10.1016/j.jaap.2014.01.016 | Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Roets, L., Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Bunt, J.R., Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Neomagus, H.W.J.P., Coal Research Group, School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North West-University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Van Niekerk, D., Sasol Technology (Pty) Ltd, Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | The ISO 647 standard describes a method for the pyrolysis of coal that quantitatively yields water, gas, tar and char, also known as a Fischer Assay. This method has several limitations i.e. The versatility of the method is limited by the thermal properties of aluminium (the retort material); the result is operator-dependent due to manual manipulation of the retort temperature using a gas generated flame. This study evaluates an alternative method (referred to as the automated Fischer Assay setup), which operates with a pre-programmed heating curve using two stainless steel retorts in an electrical oven. Comparison of the methods indicated a lower tar yield for the automated Fischer Assay method, whilst the water yield increased and the gas and char yields were within the same ranges. The automated Fischer Assay experiments were, however, more repeatable when compared to the standard ISO method. Simulated distillation (simdis) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-UV) analyses of the tar fractions found no significant differences between the tars from the two methods. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) found the tars of the automated Fischer Assay method to contain more alkyl-phenolic groups, with a decrease in the mixed compounds (compounds that exhibited both aromatic and aliphatic mass peaks in the mass spectra). It is concluded that the new method is more versatile with regard to the operating temperature control and the pre-programmed heat curve. Additionally, it provides an alternative means to generate a Fischer Assay that is not limited by the thermal properties of the retort material. It is noted, that the goal of the study was not to propose a replacement to the current ISO 647 Fischer Assay method, but to establish an automated system that can be used in pyrolysis research (qualitative and quantitative studies). Results showed that this method is adequate for qualitative and quantitative pyrolysis research and can be used as an alternative, less-biased method for ISO 647. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Coal tar; Fischer Assay; Fischer tar; GC/MS; ISO 647; Pyrolysis | Automated systems; Gas chromatography-mass spectrometries (GC-MS); GC/MS; ISO 647; Operating temperature; Quantitative pyrolysis; Quantitative study; Simulated distillation; Coal tar; Distillation; Gas chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Pyrolysis; Size exclusion chromatography; Thermodynamic properties; Automation | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902139766 | Differential impacts of coral reef herbivores on algal succession in Kenya | Humphries A.T., McClanahan T.R., McQuaid C.D. | 2014 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 504 | None | 10.3354/meps10744 | Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Coral Reef Conservation Project, Wildlife Conservation Society, PO Box 99470, Mombasa 80107, Kenya; Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York, NY 10460, United States | Humphries, A.T., Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa, Coral Reef Conservation Project, Wildlife Conservation Society, PO Box 99470, Mombasa 80107, Kenya; McClanahan, T.R., Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York, NY 10460, United States; McQuaid, C.D., Coastal Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | In shallow-water systems, fisheries management influences herbivory, which mediates ecosystem processes by regulating algal biomass, primary production, and competition between benthic organisms, such as algae and corals. Sea urchins and herbivorous fishes (scrapers, grazers, browsers) are the dominant herbivores in Kenya's fringing coral reef and their grazing influences coral-macroalgal dynamics and dominance. Using experimental substrata and grazer exclusions, we tested the hypothesis that herbivores differentially affect algal composition and succession using 3 levels of fisheries management: fished reefs, community-managed closures (<10 yr old, <0.5 km2), and government-managed closures (20 to 40 yr old, 5 to 10 km2). In fished reefs and government closures, herbivores facilitated maintenance of early successional algal species, such as turfs, associated with sea urchins in the former and scraping fishes in the latter. Crustose coralline algae were only abundant in government closures, and video recordings showed that fish grazing was greatest at these sites, most notably for parrotfishes (scrapers). A combination of sea urchins and small grazing and detritivorous fishes was present in community closures, which allowed macroalgae to quickly develop from turf into early then late successional stages. These reefs may represent an intermediate or transitional system of herbivore dominance characterized by macroalgae. Consequently, reefs in heavily fished seascapes initially protected from fishing may require additional management efforts to facilitate the recovery of larger-bodied scraping fishes, including bans on capturing parrotfishes and restricting gear (e.g. spearguns) that target these species. © Inter-Research 2014. | Animal-plant interactions; Community-based management; Marine protected area and reserves; Niche replacement; Phase shift; Primary succession; Resilience | benthos; coral reef; detritivory; ecosystem resilience; fishery management; herbivory; macroalga; primary production; protected area; shallow water; succession; videography; Kenya | Wildlife Conservation Society; WCS, Wildlife Conservation Society |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000283087500005 | Approaches to the Evaluation and Assessment of Students in Clothing Practical Work in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria | Usman, V. A. | 2010 | JOURNAL OF HOME ECONOMICS RESEARCH | 12 | None | None | Coll Agr | None | This study was carried out in Northern Nigeria to determine the general clothing construction skills and processes to be evaluated and evaluation procedures and techniques used by teachers of clothing. Six out of thirteen Colleges of Agriculture were randomly selected for the study. The entire 52 clothing teachers in the department of Home and Rural Economics were involved in the study. This consists of 32 lecturers and 18 instructors. Structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using mean scores and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings include 13 clothing construction skills and processes always evaluated and 11 evaluation procedures and techniques always used by the teachers of clothing in Colleges of Agriculture in Northern Nigeria. Based on these findings, recommendations were made. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907190446 | Impact of variety type and particle size distribution on starch enzymatic hydrolysis and functional properties of tef flours | Abebe W., Collar C., Ronda F. | 2014 | Carbohydrate Polymers | 115 | None | 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.08.080 | College of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, University of Valladolid, Av. Madrid 57, Palencia, Spain; Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Food Science Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (CSIC), Avenida Catedrático Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, Valencia, Spain | Abebe, W., College of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, University of Valladolid, Av. Madrid 57, Palencia, Spain, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Collar, C., Food Science Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (CSIC), Avenida Catedrático Agustín Escardino 7, Paterna, Valencia, Spain; Ronda, F., College of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, University of Valladolid, Av. Madrid 57, Palencia, Spain | Tef grain is becoming very attractive in the Western countries since it is a gluten-free grain with appreciated nutritional advantages. However there is little information of its functional properties and starch digestibility and how they are affected by variety type and particle size distribution. This work evaluates the effect of the grain variety and the mill used on tef flour physico-chemical and functional properties, mainly derived from starch behavior. In vitro starch digestibility of the flours by Englyst method was assessed. Two types of mills were used to obtain whole flours of different granulation. Rice and wheat flours were analyzed as references. Protein molecular weight distribution and flour structure by SEM were also analyzed to justify some of the differences found among the cereals studied. Tef cultivar and mill type exhibited important effect on granulation, bulking density and starch damage, affecting the processing performance of the flours and determining the hydration and pasting properties. The color was darker although one of the white varieties had a lightness near the reference flours. Different granulation of tef flour induced different in vitro starch digestibility. The disc attrition mill led to higher starch digestibility rate index and rapidly available glucose, probably as consequence of a higher damaged starch content. The results confirm the adequacy of tef flour as ingredient in the formulation of new cereal based foods and the importance of the variety and the mill on its functional properties. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Functional properties; In vitro starch digestibility; Milling; Tef | Functional properties; In-vitro; Tef; Variety types; Milling (machining); enzyme; starch; vegetable protein; cereal; chemistry; digestion; flour; food handling; hydrolysis; mechanics; metabolism; particle size; pigmentation; Cereals; Digestion; Enzymes; Flour; Food Handling; Hydrolysis; Mechanical Processes; Particle Size; Pigmentation; Plant Proteins; Starch | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84953354775 | Tillage impacts on net carbon flux in paddy soil of the Southern China | Chen Z.-D., Dikgwatlhe S.B., Xue J.-F., Zhang H.-L., Chen F., Xiao X.-P. | 2015 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 103 | None | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.05.014 | College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Farming System, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China; Limpopo Department of Agriculture, Research Services, Plant Production Systems Division, Polokwane, South Africa; Hunan Soil and Fertilizer Institute, Changsha, China | Chen, Z.-D., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Farming System, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China; Dikgwatlhe, S.B., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Farming System, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China, Limpopo Department of Agriculture, Research Services, Plant Production Systems Division, Polokwane, South Africa; Xue, J.-F., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Farming System, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China; Zhang, H.-L., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Farming System, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China; Chen, F., College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Farming System, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing, China; Xiao, X.-P., Hunan Soil and Fertilizer Institute, Changsha, China | Scientific regulation of carbon (C) flows under conservation tillage is of great significance for mitigating C emission to the atmosphere and increasing C sequestration potential in soils. The objective of this study was to assess tillage impacts on C cycle from a situ field experiment and identify potential tillage practices for C-smart technology in paddy soils of the Southern China. A field experiment was conducted during 2005-2011, including conventional tillage without residue retention (CT), conventional tillage with residue retention (CTS), rotary tillage with residue retention (RTS), and no-till with residue retention (NTS). We computed SOC concentrations, SOC stocks and C emissions from farm inputs with time, and results in values representing a change in net carbon flux under different tillage systems in a double rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system. The annual increase rates of SOC stocks were 452.6, 523.3, 1340.8, and 2385.4 kg ha-1 yr-1 from 2007 to 2011 under CT, CTS, RTS, and NTS, respectively. The annual C emissions under CT, CTS, RTS, and NTS were 1182.5, 1182.5, 1152.5, and 1139.2 kg C-eq ha-1 yr-1, respectively. Among the treatments, NTS treatment had the lowest net C flux with -1246.2 kg C-eq ha-1 yr-1. Taking CT as the baseline, the relative net C flux under RTS and NTS were -918.2 and -1976.1 kg C-eq ha-1 yr-1, respectively. This suggests that adoption of conservation tillage would be beneficial in the reduction of GHG emission and could be a good option for C-smart agriculture in double rice cropping regions. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Carbon emission; Conservation tillage; Net carbon flux; Paddy soil; Soil carbon sequestration rate | Agricultural machinery; Cultivation; Forestry; Greenhouse gases; Soil conservation; Soils; Carbon emissions; Conservation tillage; Net carbon flux; Paddy soils; Soil carbon sequestration; Agriculture | None |
| 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 |
| WoS | WOS:000319869000003 | The Ghana essential health interventions program: a plausibility trial of the impact of health systems strengthening on maternal & child survival | Asuru, Rofina,Awoonor-Williams, John Koku,Bawah, Ayaga A.,Nyonator, Frank K.,Oduro, Abraham,Ofosu, Anthony,Phillips, James F. | 2013 | BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 13 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-13-S2-S3 | Columbia University, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo Health Research Center, Minist Hlth Minist | "Asuru, Rofina: Ghana Health Service","Awoonor-Williams, John Koku: Ghana Health Service","Bawah, Ayaga A.: Columbia University","Oduro, Abraham: Ghana Health Service","Oduro, Abraham: Navrongo Health Research Center","Ofosu, Anthony: Ghana Health Service","Phillips, James F.: Columbia University", | Background: During the 1990s, researchers at the Navrongo Health Research Centre in northern Ghana developed a highly successful community health program. The keystone of the Navrongo approach was the deployment of nurses termed community health officers to village locations. A trial showed that, compared to areas relying on existing services alone, the approach reduced child mortality by half, maternal mortality by 40%, and fertility by nearly a birth - from a total fertility rate of 5.5 in only five years. In 2000, the government of Ghana launched a national program called Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) to scale up the Navrongo model. However, CHPS scale-up has been slow in districts located outside of the Upper East Region, where the "Navrongo Experiment" was first carried out. This paper describes the Ghana Essential Health Intervention Project (GEHIP), a plausibility trial of strategies for strengthening CHPS, especially in the areas of maternal and newborn health, and generating the political will to scale up the program with strategies that are faithful to the original design.
Description of the intervention: GEHIP improves the CHPS model by 1) extending the range and quality of services for newborns; 2) training community volunteers to conduct the World Health Organization service regimen known as integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI); 3) simplifying the collection of health management information and ensuring its use for decision making; 4) enabling community health nurses to manage emergencies, particularly obstetric complications and refer cases without delay; 5) adding $0.85 per capita annually to district budgets and marshalling grassroots political commitment to financing CHPS implementation; and 6) strengthening CHPS leadership at all levels of the system.
Evaluation design: GEHIP impact is assessed by conducting baseline and endline survey research and computing the Heckman "difference in difference" test for under-5 mortality in three intervention districts relative to four comparison districts for core indicators of health status and survival rates. To elucidate results, hierarchical child survival hazard models will be estimated that incorporate measures of health system strength as survival determinants, adjusting for the potentially confounding effects of parental and household characteristics. Qualitative systems appraisal procedures will be used to monitor and explain GEHIP implementation innovations, constraints, and progress.
Discussion: By demonstrating practical means of strengthening a real-world health system while monitoring costs and assessing maternal and child survival impact, GEHIP is expected to contribute to national health policy, planning, and resource allocation that will be needed to accelerate progress with the Millennium Development Goals. | ,INNOVATION | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953854148 | Assessment of noise and associated health impacts at selected secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria | Shendell D.G., Ana G.R.E.E., Brown G.E., Sridhar M.K.C. | 2009 | Journal of Environmental and Public Health | 2009 | None | 10.1155/2009/739502 | College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine an | Shendell, D.G., Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, United States, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Ana, G.R.E.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Brown, G.E., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Sridhar, M.K.C., College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Background. Most schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, are located near major roads (mobile line sources). We conducted an initial assessment of noise levels and adverse noise-related health and learning effects. Methods. For this descriptive, cross-sectional study, four schools were selected randomly from eight participating in overall project. We administered 200 questionnaires, 50 per school, assessing health and learning-related outcomes. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels, dBA) were measured with calibrated sound level meters. Traffic density was assessed for school with the highest measured dBA. Observational checklists assessed noise control parameters and building physical attributes. Results. Short-term, cross-sectional school-day noise levels ranged 68.3-84.7dBA. Over 60 of respondents reported that vehicular traffic was major source of noise, and over 70 complained being disturbed by noise. Three schools reported tiredness, and one school lack of concentration, as the most prevalent noise-related health problems. Conclusion. Secondary school occupants in Ibadan, Nigeria were potentially affected by exposure to noise from mobile line sources. Copyright © 2009 Godson R. E. E. Ana et al. | None | article; checklist; exposure; fatigue; health hazard; high school; human; learning; Nigeria; noise measurement; noise pollution; noise reduction; priority journal; questionnaire; sound level meter; traffic; adolescent; attention; car; cross-sectional study; female; health status; male; noise; pilot study; school; statistics; traffic noise; urban population; Adolescent; Attention; Automobiles; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Female; Health Status; Humans; Learning; Male; Nigeria; Noise; Noise, Transportation; Pilot Projects; Questionnaires; Schools; Urban Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77953303691 | Cost-effectiveness analysis of clinical specialist outreach as compared to referral system in Ethiopia: An economic evaluation | Kifle Y.A., Nigatu T.H. | 2010 | Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation | 8 | None | 10.1186/1478-7547-8-13 | College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Kifle, Y.A., College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Nigatu, T.H., Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Background: In countries with scarce specialized Human resource for health, patients are usually referred. The other alternative has been mobilizing specialists, clinical specialist outreach. This study examines whether clinical specialist outreach is a cost effective way of using scarce health expertise to provide specialist care as compared to provision of such services through referral system in Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study on four purposively selected regional hospitals and three central referral hospitals was conducted from Feb 4-24, 2009. The perspective of analysis was societal covering analytic horizon and time frame from 1 April 2007 to 31 Dec 2008. Data were collected using interview of specialists, project focal persons, patients and review of records. To ensure the propriety standards of evaluation, Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma University.Results: It was found that 532 patients were operated at outreach hospitals in 125 specialist days. The unit cost of surgical procedures was found to be ETB 4,499.43. On the other hand, if the 125 clinical specialist days were spent to serve patients referred from zonal and regional hospitals at central referral hospitals, 438 patients could have been served. And the unit cost of surgical procedures through referral would have been ETB 6,523.27 per patient. This makes clinical specialist outreach 1.45 times more cost effective way of using scarce clinical specialists' time as compared to referral system.Conclusion: Clinical specialist outreach is a cost effective and cost saving way of spending clinical specialists' time as compared to provision of similar services through referral system. © 2010 Kifle and Nigatu; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | article; clinical trial; controlled study; cost effectiveness analysis; economic evaluation; Ethiopia; health care cost; human; major clinical study; medical specialist; multicenter study; patient referral; resource allocation; surgical technique | None |
| WoS | WOS:000319869000006 | The Tanzania Connect Project: a cluster-randomized trial of the child survival impact of adding paid community health workers to an existing facility-focused health system | Baynes, Colin,Exavery, Amon,Helleringer, Stephane,Hingora, Ahmed,Jackson, Elizabeth,Kante, Malick,Manzi, Fatuma,Pemba, Senga,Phillips, James F.,Ramsey, Kate | 2013 | BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH | 13 | None | 10.1186/1472-6963-13-S2-S6 | Columbia University, Ifakara Hlth Inst, Tanzanian Training Ctr Int Hlth | "Helleringer, Stephane: Columbia University","Jackson, Elizabeth: Columbia University","Phillips, James F.: Columbia University", | Background: Tanzania has been a pioneer in establishing community-level services, yet challenges remain in sustaining these systems and ensuring adequate human resource strategies. In particular, the added value of a cadre of professional community health workers is under debate. While Tanzania has the highest density of primary health care facilities in Africa, equitable access and quality of care remain a challenge. Utilization for many services proven to reduce child and maternal mortality is unacceptably low. Tanzanian policy initiatives have sought to address these problems by proposing expansion of community-based providers, but the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) lacks evidence that this merits national implementation. The Tanzania Connect Project is a randomized cluster trial located in three rural districts with a population of roughly 360,000 (Kilombero, Rufiji, and Ulanga).
Description of intervention: Connect aims to test whether introducing a community health worker into a general program of health systems strengthening and referral improvement will reduce child mortality, improve access to services, expand utilization, and alter reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health seeking behavior; thereby accelerating progress towards Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. Connect has introduced a new cadre - Community Health Agents (CHA) - who were recruited from and work in their communities. To support the CHA, Connect developed supervisory systems, launched information and monitoring operations, and implemented logistics support for integration with existing district and village operations. In addition, Connect's district-wide emergency referral strengthening intervention includes clinical and operational improvements.
Evaluation design: Designed as a community-based cluster-randomized trial, CHA were randomly assigned to 50 of the 101 villages within the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in the three study districts. To garner detailed information on household characteristics, behaviors, and service exposure, a random sub-sample survey of 3,300 women of reproductive age will be conducted at the baseline and endline. The referral system intervention will use baseline, midline, and endline facility-based data to assess systemic changes. Implementation and impact research of Connect will assess whether and how the presence of the CHA at village level provides added life-saving value to the health system.
Discussion: Global commitment to launching community-based primary health care has accelerated in recent years, with much of the implementation focused on Africa. Despite extensive investment, no program has been guided by a truly experimental study. Connect will not only address Tanzania's need for policy and operational research, it will bridge a critical international knowledge gap concerning the added value of salaried professional community health workers in the context of a high density of fixed facilities. | ,CARE,DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES,IMPLEMENTATION,INTERVENTIONS,"MATERNITY REFERRAL SYSTEMS","MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL",MORTALITY,"NAVRONGO EXPERIMENT","SERVICES RESEARCH","SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000293382500007 | A 3-year Cohort Study to Assess the Impact of an Integrated Food- and Livelihood-based Model on Undernutrition in Rural Western Kenya | Amoroso, L,Diru, W.,Fanzo, J.,Kim, D.,Lelerai, E.,Masira, J.,Muniz, M.,Mutuo, P.,Negin, J.,Nemser, B.,Palm, C.,Pronyk, P. M.,Remans, R.,Sachs, J. D.,Sachs, S. Ehrlich,Sanchez, P.,THOMPSON, B,Wariero, J. | 2011 | COMBATING MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES: FOOD-BASED APPROACHES | None | None | None | Columbia University, KU Leuven, University of Sydney, Biovers Int | "Kim, D.: Columbia University","Negin, J.: University of Sydney","Pronyk, P. M.: Columbia University","Remans, R.: KU Leuven","Sanchez, P.: Columbia University", | Reducing extreme poverty and hunger is the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG). With undernutrition contributing to one third of all child deaths, improving nutrition is a precondition for accelerating progress towards other MDG targets. While the role of technical interventions such as micronutrient fortification and supplementation in reducing morbidity and mortality has been well documented, evidence to support more comprehensive multi-sectoral approaches remains inconclusive. This chapter aims to evaluate the impact of an integrated food- and livelihood-based model on nutrition-related outcomes in rural western Kenya.
A 3-year prospective cohort study was undertaken among 300 randomly selected wealth-stratified households. Detailed socio-economic and health surveys were conducted. A nutrition module assessed household levels of food security, food consumption frequency and diet diversity. This was complemented by anthropometric measurement and assessments of serum levels of vitamin A among children under 5 years old.
The average food insecurity score decreased from 5.21 at baseline to 4.13 at follow-up (P < 0.0001). Average diet diversity scores for daily, weekly and monthly time periods increased from 6.7 to 7.3; from 10.7 to 11.2; and from 12.4 to 12.6, respectively (P < 0.0001). Daily consumption for 14 out of 16 food groups increased significantly. For children under 2 years of age, underweight and stunting decreased from 26.2% to 3.9% (P = 0.002) and from 62.3% to 38.3% (P = 0.014), respectively. Vitamin A deficiency as measured by serum vitamin A levels decreased from 70.0% to 33.3% (P = 0.007) for children under 5 years old.
This study presents encouraging evidence that a multi-sectoral food- and livelihood-based model can improve diet quality, enhance food security and positively affect childhood nutritional outcomes. The wider application of this approach to a diversity of agro-ecological zones in sub-Saharan Africa is currently being assessed. | "diet diversity",Food-based,"FOOD SECURITY",multi-sectoral,STUNTING,"VITAMIN A","CHILD UNDERNUTRITION","DIETARY DIVERSITY",GROWTH,HEALTH,INTERVENTIONS,OPPORTUNITY,"VITAMIN-A INTAKE" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000306994100011 | Beyond Indicators: Advances in Global HIV Monitoring and Evaluation During the PEPFAR Era | Bouey, Paul D.,Curtis, Sian,Hochgesang, Mindy,Idele, Priscilla,Jefferson, Bobby,Lemma, Wuleta,Myrick, Roger,Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Harriet,Porter, Laura E.,Prybylski, Dimitri,Souteyrand, Yves,Tulli, Tuhuma | 2012 | JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES | 60 | None | 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31825cf345 | Columbia University, Tulane University, University of California San Francisco, University of California System, University of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA, , Futures Grp Int, Off US Global AIDS Coordinator, UNICEF | "Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina","Curtis, Sian: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill","Lemma, Wuleta: Tulane University","Myrick, Roger: University of California San Francisco","Myrick, Roger: University of California System","Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Harriet: Columbia University","Souteyrand, Yves: World Health Organization", | Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is fundamental to global HIV program implementation and has been a cornerstone of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Rapid results were crucial to demonstrating feasibility and scalability of HIV care and treatment services early in PEPFAR. When national HIV M&E systems were nascent, the rapid influx of funds and the emergency expansion of HIV services contributed to the development of uncoordinated "parallel" information systems to serve donor demands for information. Close collaboration of PEPFAR with multilateral and national partners improved harmonization of indicators, standards, methods, tools, and reports. Concurrent PEPFAR investments in surveillance, surveys, program monitoring, health information systems, and human capacity development began to show signs of progress toward sustainable country-owned systems. Awareness of the need for and usefulness of data increased, far beyond discussions of indicators and reporting. Emphasis has turned toward ensuring the quality of data and using available data to improve the quality of care. Assessing progress toward an AIDS-free generation requires that the global community can measure the reduction of new HIV infections in children and adults and monitor the coverage, quality, and outcomes of highly efficacious interventions in combination. Building national M&E systems requires sustained efforts over long periods of time with effective leadership and coordination. PEPFAR, in close collaboration with its global and national partners, is well positioned to transform the successes and challenges associated with early rapid scale-up into future opportunities for sustainable, cost-effective, country-owned programs and systems. | "monitoring and evaluation",PEPFAR,"ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT",BANGKOK,"EVALUATION SYSTEMS","HEALTH SYSTEMS","MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES",PROGRAM,"RISK BEHAVIOR",SCALE-UP,SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR,THAILAND | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941759345 | Damping characteristics of nanoclay filled hybrid laminates during medium velocity impact | Mohan T.P., Velmurugan R., Kanny K. | 2015 | Composites Part B: Engineering | 82 | None | 10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.08.016 | Composites Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Composites Technology Centre, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India | Mohan, T.P., Composites Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Velmurugan, R., Composites Technology Centre, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India; Kanny, K., Composites Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | The objective of this paper is to study the vibrational damping characteristics during medium velocity impact of nanoclay filled glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid laminates. A series of laminates with varying degree of nanoclay concentration (0-5 wt.%) and fiber weight fraction (25-75 wt.%) were prepared by vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) method. The laminates were subjected to medium velocity projectile impact using in-house built gas gun set-up and the ballistic limit of laminates series was determined. The result indicated that during impact, the laminate undergoes vibrational damping. This damping property is a function of fiber weight fraction and orientation, nanoclay concentration and nanocomposite structure. A 42% increase of ballistic limit was observed for 5 wt.% nanoclay filled hybrid (50 wt.% fiber) when compared with unfilled composite. Structural and modal analysis of hybrids showed that the increased ballistic limit of nanoclay filled hybrids is due to the nanocomposite structure and improved damping and fracture properties. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | A. Laminates; A. Nano-structures; B. Impact behavior; B. Vibration | Ballistics; Damping; Fibers; Modal analysis; Nanocomposites; Nanostructured materials; Nanostructures; Paper laminates; B. Vibration; Damping characteristics; Glass fiber-reinforced epoxy; Impact behavior; Nano-composite structure; Nanoclay concentrations; Vacuum assisted resin infusion moldings; Vibrational damping; Laminates | 76460, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology; DST, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877351192 | Practical implementation of the durability index performance-based design approach | Nganga G., Alexander M., Beushausen H. | 2013 | Construction and Building Materials | 45 | None | 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.03.069 | Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa | Nganga, G., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Alexander, M., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Beushausen, H., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa | The paper provides a summary of findings from a study that was done to evaluate practicality of Durability Index (DI) performance-based specifications that have been implemented on a large scale in a major infrastructure project involving bridge and other structures in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The practicality of the approach was evaluated by considering: the magnitude and variability in DI test values (Oxygen Permeability Index, OPI, and water sorptivity) and cover depths; applicability of the DI tests in laboratories to determine if correct execution of test procedures is done, in addition to its application on site where samples are obtained; and response of the industry to this recently implemented approach which was assessed from reviewing responses to a questionnaire that was sent out to resident engineers (REs). From the statistical analysis, it was observed that the average values of the durability parameters (OPI, sorptivity and cover depth) in all cases complied with the limiting minimum values. However, for some structures, a high proportion of individual DI test results failed to comply with limiting values. The variability observed in the coefficient of permeability (k) and sorptivity values was high. For cover depth readings the variability measured on structures cast in situ was considerably higher than for precast elements. A mixed perception of the effects of this approach was obtained among engineers; some indicated that it had no effect on construction practices while others felt that, as a result of the performance-based project specifications, stricter controls had been placed in execution of construction practices. From this study it was concluded that the DI performance-based approach offers a potentially useful and practical way to perform quality control of cover concrete. However, certain limitations have to still be overcome to fully reap the potential benefits of this approach. These include high variability in test results (sorptivity, coefficient of permeability), poor quality of test panels, poor communication between site staff and laboratories, difficulties in transport of test panels. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cover concrete; Durability index tests; Performance-based specifications; Quality control; Reinforced concrete | Coefficient of permeability; Cover concrete; Durability index test; Infrastructure project; Performance based design; Performance based specifications; Practical implementation; Project specification; Bridges; Concretes; Quality control; Reinforced concrete; Reinforcement; Specifications; Testing; Durability | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883637090 | Durability performance potential and strength of blended Portland limestone cement concrete | Githachuri K., Alexander M.G. | 2013 | Cement and Concrete Composites | 39 | None | 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2013.03.027 | Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa | Githachuri, K., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa; Alexander, M.G., Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit, Dept. of Civil Eng., Univ. of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, 7701 Rondebosch, South Africa | This paper describes a study on the durability potential and strength of composite Portland-limestone cement (PLC) concrete mixtures blended with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and/or fly ash (FA). Their performance was compared against ordinary Portland cement, plain PLC and Portland-slag cement concrete mixtures. Using the South African Durability Index approach, results indicate reductions in the penetrability of the composite PLC blends compared to the other mixtures. The durability indicators are chloride conductivity, gas (oxygen) permeability and water sorptivity. Compressive strength of the composite PLC mixtures containing both GGBS and FA showed competitive performance with the comparative mixtures, but FA blended PLC mixtures had diminished compressive strength values. The paper also presents considerations on the practical implications of using blended PLC concrete mixtures. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Durability; Fly ash; Limestone; Slag; Strength | Cement concrete; Competitive performance; Durability performance; Ground granulated blast furnace slag; Limestone cement concretes; Ordinary Portland cement; Strength; Water sorptivity; Blast furnaces; Chlorine compounds; Compressive strength; Durability; Fly ash; Gas permeability; Limestone; Slag cement; Slags; Mixtures | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84916887285 | Evaluation of the trophic structure of the West Florida Shelf in the 2000s using the ecosystem model OSMOSE | Grüss A., Schirripa M.J., Chagaris D., Drexler M., Simons J., Verley P., Shin Y.-J., Karnauskas M., Oliveros-Ramos R., Ainsworth C.H. | 2015 | Journal of Marine Systems | 144 | None | 10.1016/j.jmarsys.2014.11.004 | Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States; Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Center for Coastal Studies Natural Resources Center, Texas A andM University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France; University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute Ma-Re, Department of Biological Sciences, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Gamarra y General Valle s/n Chucuito, Callao, Peru | Grüss, A., Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, United States, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Schirripa, M.J., Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Chagaris, D., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Drexler, M., University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States; Simons, J., Center for Coastal Studies Natural Resources Center, Texas A andM University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX, United States; Verley, P., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France; Shin, Y.-J., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France, University of Cape Town, Marine Research Institute Ma-Re, Department of Biological Sciences, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Karnauskas, M., Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL, United States; Oliveros-Ramos, R., Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR EME 212, Centre de Recherche Halieutique Méditerranéenne et Tropicale, Avenue Jean Monnet, CS 30171, Sète cedex, France, Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE), Gamarra y General Valle s/n Chucuito, Callao, Peru; Ainsworth, C.H., University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL, United States | We applied the individual-based, multi-species OSMOSE modeling approach to the West Florida Shelf, with the intent to inform ecosystem-based management (EBM) in this region. Our model, referred to as 'OSMOSE-WFS', explicitly considers both pelagic-demersal and benthic high trophic level (HTL) groups of fish and invertebrate species, and is forced by the biomass of low trophic level groups of species (plankton and benthos). We present a steady-state version of the OSMOSE-WFS model describing trophic interactions in the West Florida Shelf in the 2000s. OSMOSE-WFS was calibrated using a recently developed evolutionary algorithm that allowed simulated biomasses of HTL groups to match observed biomasses over the period 2005-2009. The validity of OSMOSE-WFS was then evaluated by comparing simulated diets to observed ones, and the simulated trophic levels to those in an Ecopath model of the West Florida Shelf (WFS Reef fish Ecopath). Finally, OSMOSE-WFS was used to explore the trophic structure of the West Florida Shelf in the 2000s and estimate size-specific natural mortality rates for a socio-economically important species, gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis). OSMOSE-WFS outputs were in full agreement with observations as to the body size and ecological niche of prey of the different HTL groups, and to a lesser extent in agreement with the observed species composition of the diet of HTL groups. OSMOSE-WFS and WFS Reef fish Ecopath concurred on the magnitude of the instantaneous natural mortality of the different life stages of gag grouper over the period 2005-2009, but not always on the main causes of natural mortality. The model evaluations conducted here provides a strong basis for ongoing work exploring fishing and environmental scenarios so as to inform EBM. From simple size-based predation rules, we were indeed able to capture the complexity of trophic interactions in the West Florida Shelf, and to identify the predators, prey and competitors of socio-economically important species as well as pivotal prey species of the ecosystem. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Gag grouper; Marine ecosystem modeling; Natural mortality; Resource management; Trophic structure; West florida shelf | Biomass; Computer simulation; Fish; Nutrition; Reefs; Florida; Marine ecosystem; Natural mortality; Resource management; Trophic structure; Ecosystems; algorithm; body size; ecosystem modeling; mortality; niche; predation; resource management; socioeconomic status; trophic structure; Atlantic Ocean; Florida Shelf; Epinephelinae; Invertebrata; Mycteroperca microlepis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879036965 | The impact of particle size and maceral segregation on char formation in a packed bed combustion unit | Malumbazo N., Wagner N.J., Bunt J.R. | 2013 | Fuel | 111 | None | 10.1016/j.fuel.2013.03.056 | Council for Geoscience, Mineral Resources Development, 280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Sasol Technology (PTY LTD), P.O. Box X1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Malumbazo, N., Council for Geoscience, Mineral Resources Development, 280 Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Wagner, N.J., School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; Bunt, J.R., School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa, Sasol Technology (PTY LTD), P.O. Box X1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa | Highveld parent coal was crushed into three size fractions, namely: 5 mm-75 mm, 5 mm-53 mm, and 5-37.5 mm. The crushed samples were subjected as feed coals to heating in a packed-bed reactor to investigate the influence of particle size reduction on char formation and reactivity. Coal petrography was utilized to assess the maceral and char formation distribution of the feed coal samples and their packed-bed combustion unit's products. The maceral distribution of the feed coal fractions differed from the typical run-of-mine Highveld coal petrographic composition; the smallest size fractions (-53 mm and -37.5 mm) having the highest vitrinite content. Maceral distribution was further divided into total reactive maceral particles, total inert maceral particles, and total inertinite particles. The -53 mm and -37.5 mm feed coal samples had the highest total reactive maceral particle content. Inert char particles dominated in the packed-bed combustion unit samples due to high inertinite maceral group content of the Highveld coals. Unexpectedly, the -53 mm feed coal sample had higher content of total reactive maceral particles and lower content of total inert maceral particles; whereas the -37.5 mm feed coal sample had high content of reactive maceral particles and high content of total inert maceral particles. This variation in maceral group content lead to the -53 mm feed coal sample being more reactive (producing more devolatilized and porous chars and thus reacting faster with reactant gases) than the -37.5 mm feed coal sample. This was due to inert maceral particles restricting the -37.5 mm feed coal sample from fully softening and reacting with reactant gas. This was also this was attributed to variation in volatile propagation of the three particle sizes. This confirms that a feed coal with smaller particle sizes results in different reactivity, char formation, and better heat transfer during combustion than the feed coal with large particle size range. Another important factor that plays a role in combustion is maceral association; it was observed that maceral distribution has a great influence on the char formation and its reactivity more than coal particle size. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Char morphology; Highveld coal; Maceral segregation; Reactivity | Coal particle size; Large particle sizes; Maceral distribution; Macerals; Packed bed reactor; Particle content; Particle size reduction; Petrographic composition; Chemical contamination; Coal; Inert gases; Packed beds; Particle size; Petrography; Reactivity (nuclear); Segregation (metallography); Coal combustion | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949115102 | High-performance towards Cr(VI) removal using multi-active sites of polypyrrole-graphene oxide nanocomposites: Batch and column studies | Setshedi K.Z., Bhaumik M., Onyango M.S., Maity A. | 2015 | Chemical Engineering Journal | 262 | None | 10.1016/j.cej.2014.10.034 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; DST/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Setshedi, K.Z., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Bhaumik, M., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Onyango, M.S., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Maity, A., DST/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, South Africa | Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] adsorption onto polypyrrole graphene oxide nanocomposite (PPy-GO NC) From aqueous solutions was explored using batch and packed-bed column modes. The performance of the PPy-GO NC for Cr(VI) removal was evaluated as a function of solution pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration, temperature, bed mass and time. The characterization of PPy-GO NC using HR-TEM, FE-SEM and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that graphite was successfully exfoliated to thin layered graphene sheets and also ensured the presence of the PPy in the PPy-GO NC. Meanwhile the zeta potential data showed that the point of zero charge of the nanocomposite was at pH 6.2. Batch sorption isotherm data at optimum solution pH of 2, was satisfactorily described by the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum sorption capacity of 625. mg/g at 25. °C, while the kinetic data fitted well with the pseudo second order kinetic model. Sorption of Cr(VI) onto PPy-GO NC in binary ions systems was also evaluated and results showed that the presence of co-existing ions had no effect on Cr(VI) removal. Expressed through breakthrough curves, the packed-bed Cr(VI) sorption data showed consistency with the ideal s-shape. Moreover, a large volume of Cr(VI) contaminated water (64.08. L) was successfully treated to below allowable discharge limit at low influent Cr(VI) concentration (10. mg/L) using 2. g of PPy-GO NC at a flow rate of 3. mL/min. Breakthrough data were successfully described by the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Breakthrough; Graphene oxide; Kinetics; Nanocomposites; Polypyrrole | Adsorption isotherms; Enzyme kinetics; Graphene; Isotherms; Kinetics; Nanocomposites; Packed beds; Polypyrroles; Sorption; Water pollution; Allowable discharge limits; Breakthrough; Cr contaminated water; Graphene oxide nanocomposites; Graphene oxides; Langmuir isotherm models; Point of zero charge; Pseudo-second-order kinetic models; Chromium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-51149092100 | Evaluation of registry data removal by shredder programs | Velupillai H., Mokhonoana P. | 2008 | IFIP International Federation for Information Processing | 285 | None | 10.1007/978-0-387-84927-0_5 | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa | Velupillai, H., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Mokhonoana, P., Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa | Shredder programs attempt to overcome Window's inherent inability to erase data completely. A shredder is useful when one needs to transfer ownership or dispose of a computer, but it can be exploited by a suspect for the purpose of wiping incriminating evidence. Most shredder programs claim to remove all traces of data. This paper examines these claims by conducting forensic examinations of computers on which shredder programs were used. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing. | Data removal; Shredder tools; Windows Registry | Forensic examinations; Transfer ownerships; Windows registry; Forensic examinations; Transfer ownerships; Windows registry; Computer forensics; Computer forensics; Information technology | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74049155522 | Enhancement of magnetic signatures of impact structures | Cowan D.R., Cooper G.R.J. | 2005 | Special Paper of the Geological Society of America | 384 | None | 10.1130/0-8137-2384-1.51 | Cowan Geodata Services, 12 Edna Road, Dalkeith, WA 6009, Australia; School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Cowan, D.R., Cowan Geodata Services, 12 Edna Road, Dalkeith, WA 6009, Australia; Cooper, G.R.J., School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa | Aeromagnetic surveys are a useful tool in the detection and analysis of terrestrial impact structures. Although gravity anomalies provide clearer and simpler signatures of impact craters, large regional-scale aeromagnetic surveys are more widely available. A combination of many factors, such as the nature of the target rocks, the impact-related magnetization, and effects of crater fill and post-impact cover results in a great variation of magnetic signatures in the terrestrial impact craters. In crystalline basement targets, the most common signature of a complex impact structure is a magnetic low with a central peak or ring uplift magnetic anomaly. Contributions to the magnetic signature include demagnetization, shock remagnetization, and thermal and chemical remanent magnetization effects. Impact craters in sedimentary targets usually are of small magnetic amplitude, depending on the lithology. The origin of the magnetic signatures in sedimentary targets is not well understood. Enhancement of magnetic signatures of terrestrial impact structures using filtering techniques is an important part of detection and analysis. Derivative and derivative-based (such as sunshading) techniques, along with separation filtering, are probably the most used methods. Here we present our new developments of algorithms for fractional order derivatives and circular shaded relief that have dramatically improved filter results. The fractional derivative order can be varied to optimize the separation of the impact magnetic signature. Given a chosen center location, the circular shaded relief algorithm treats all directions equally, thus preventing fade-out of features subparallel to the shading direction evident in conventional shaded relief. Unlike Hough transform based algorithms, the circular sunshading method is not sensitive to the radius of the circular feature being searched for, and no radius parameter is specified during the data processing We illustrate the new fractional derivative and circular shaded relief algorithms using selected Australian and Canadian impact crater data sets involving both crystalline basement and sedimentary targets. © 2005 Geological Society of America. | Aeromagnetic surveys; Circular shaded relief; Fractional order derivatives; Impact structures; Magnetization | aeromagnetic survey; algorithm; crater; crystalline rock; data set; gravity anomaly; magnetic anomaly; magnetization; relief; uplift; Australia; Canada | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870311367 | The impact of contactor scale on a ferric nanoparticle adsorbent process for the removal of phosphorus from municipal wastewater | Martin B.D., De Kock L., Stephenson T., Parsons S.A., Jefferson B. | 2013 | Chemical Engineering Journal | None | None | 10.1016/j.cej.2012.11.006 | Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom; Department of Chemical Technology, Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (Water Research Platform), University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | Martin, B.D., Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom; De Kock, L., Department of Chemical Technology, Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (Water Research Platform), University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Stephenson, T., Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom; Parsons, S.A., Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom; Jefferson, B., Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom, Department of Chemical Technology, Nanotechnology Innovation Centre (Water Research Platform), University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | The impact of contactor scale on the efficacy of a ferric nanoparticle embedded media for phosphorus removal was investigated. Experiments were conducted on columns with diameters between 15 and 500mm, operated at a fixed empty bed contact time of 4min and an aspect ratio of bed depth to column diameter of 2:1 to ensure self similarity. The columns contained a ferric nanoparticle embedded media, and treated water containing 4mgPL-1 to simulate applications of full load removal. The treatable flow before breakthrough, the shape of the mass transfer zone and the capacity were all seen to vary with the column diameter used. A logarithmic relationship was observed between column diameter and adsorption capacity such that the capacity increased from 3.4 to 6.3mgPgmedia-1 as the column diameter increased from 15 to 500mm. Overall the results highlight the importance of considering the scale at which the capacity is measured when assessing the economic suitability of the embedded nanoparticle resin. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Ferric nanoparticles; Municipal wastewater; Phosphorus removal; Scale-up | Adsorption capacities; Bed depth; Embedded media; Embedded nanoparticles; Empty bed contact time; Full-load; Logarithmic relationship; Municipal wastewaters; Phosphorus removal; Scale-up; Self-similarities; Aspect ratio; Phosphorus; Water treatment; Nanoparticles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-81055137582 | Evaluation of maize cultivars for their susceptibility towards mycotoxigenic fungi under storage conditions | Dawlal P., Barros E., Marais G.J. | 2012 | Journal of Stored Products Research | 48 | None | 10.1016/j.jspr.2011.10.006 | CSIR Biosciences, PO Box 395, Pretoria, Gauteng 0001, South Africa; University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | Dawlal, P., CSIR Biosciences, PO Box 395, Pretoria, Gauteng 0001, South Africa; Barros, E., CSIR Biosciences, PO Box 395, Pretoria, Gauteng 0001, South Africa; Marais, G.J., University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa | Maize cultivation comprises the largest area of farmland in South Africa and it is the largest food crop consumed by the majority of its population. However, this food crop is frequently associated with mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxigenic fungi that are regularly found in South African maize were selected and evaluated against 49 commercially produced maize cultivars for their ability to infest maize during storage. Four of these fungi, known to contaminate maize in the field included Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, Phoma sorghina and Stenocarpella maydis. The other five species included storage fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Eurotium repens, Penicillium islandicum and Rhizopus oryzae. A unique method of inoculation was carried out where each maize cultivar was serially inoculated with each of the fungi. Results showed that four maize cultivars had a slower rate of infestation towards the field fungi while three cultivars had a slower rate of infestation towards the storage fungi. Only one of the maize cultivars, PAN 6146, showed an overall slower infestation rate for both field and storage fungi. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Field fungi; Fungal resistance; Maize; Mycotoxigenic fungi; Storage fungi | Aspergillus flavus; Aspergillus ochraceus; Eurotium; Eurotium repens; Fungi; Gibberella fujikuroi; Gibberella moniliformis; Gibberella zeae; Penicillium; Penicillium islandicum; Phoma sorghina; Rhizopus oryzae; Stenocarpella maydis; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-36248971166 | The storm that rocks the boat: The systemic impact of gated communities on urban sustainability | Landman K. | 2007 | CyberGeo | 2007 | None | None | CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | Landman, K., CSIR Built Environment, Pretoria, South Africa | This paper is concerned with the impact and implications of gated communities on urban sustainability. This is investigated making use of an overarching methodological framework based on the internationally accepted Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, developed by the OECD. Additional to the simple causal flow from drivers to responses are the dynamic relationships between these five aspects. The paper discusses each of these issues and the relationships between them as they pertain to gated communities in South Africa. Gated communities, as complex systems, necessitate the consideration of a multiplicity of feedback loops with internal rates of flow that are determined by non-linear relationships. Only in this way can the full extent of their impact and implications on urban sustainability be assessed. | None | gated community; modeling; storm; sustainability; urban area; Africa; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870548482 | Fungi solubilisation of low rank coal: Performances of stirred tank, fluidised bed and packed bed reactors | Oboirien B.O., Ojumu T.V., Obayopo S.O. | 2013 | Fuel Processing Technology | 106 | None | 10.1016/j.fuproc.2012.08.011 | CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, PO Box, 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Chemical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Oboirien, B.O., CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, PO Box, 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Ojumu, T.V., Department of Chemical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Obayopo, S.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Coal biosolubilisation was investigated in stirred tank reactor, fluidised bed and fixed bed bioreactors with a view to highlight the advantages and shortcomings of each of these reactor configurations. The stirred aerated bioreactor and fluidised bioreactor represent slurry reactor systems enabling a comparative study. Direct comparison between these and the fixed bed bioreactor could not be carried as the corresponding particle sizes will result to a pressure drop in the fixed bed reactor. Coal solubilisation showed a higher coal weight loss in the stirred tank slurry bioreactor in comparison to the fluidised bed slurry bioreactor at 5% (w/v) coal loading and 600-850 μm coal fractions. Higher aeration is required in the fluidised bed bioreactor than in the stirred tank slurry bioreactor at constant coal loading and particle size because in fluidised bed bioreactor aeration was also used for mixing. Coal biosolubilisation in the packed bed bioreactor was minimal. The low performance was attributed to the large coal particle size fraction (1.5-2 mm) used. Minimal damage to the fungal culture was observed. However, clogging of bed by fungi resulted in channelling or misdistribution that ultimately leads to poor and unpredictable internal mass transport. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Fluidised bed and fixed bed reactor; Fungal solubilisation; Low rank coal; Stirred tank reactor | Coal fractions; Coal particle size; Comparative studies; Fixed bed reactor; Fixed-bed bioreactor; Fluidised bed; Fungal culture; Low rank coals; Minimal damage; Packed bed reactor; Packed-bed bioreactors; Reactor configuration; Slurry bioreactors; Slurry reactor; Solubilisation; Stirred Tank; Stirred tank reactors; Weight loss; Bioconversion; Bioreactors; Fluidization; Fluidized beds; Fungi; Packed beds; Particle size; Solubility; Tanks (containers); Coal | None |
| WoS | WOS:000318962000001 | Advancing the theory and practice of impact assessment: Setting the research agenda | Bond, Alan,Morrison-Saunders, Angus,Pope, Jenny,Retief, Francois | 2013 | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW | 41 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2013.01.008 | Curtin University, Murdoch University, North West University - South Africa, University of East Anglia, Integral Sustainabil | "Retief, Francois: North West University - South Africa", | Impact assessment has been in place for over 40 years and is now practised in some form in all but two of the world's nations. In this paper we reflect on the state of the art of impact assessment theory and practice, focusing on six well-established forms: EIA, SEA, policy assessment, SIA, HIA and sustainability assessment. We note that although the fundamentals of impact assessment have their roots in the US National Environmental Policy Act 1969 (NEPA) each branch of the field is distinct in also drawing on other theoretical and conceptual bases that in turn shape the prevailing discourse in each case, generating increasing degrees of specialisation within each sub-field. Against this backdrop, we consider the strengths and weaknesses of collective impact assessment practice, concluding that although there are substantial strengths, the plethora of specialist branches is generating a somewhat confusing picture and lack of clarity regarding how the pieces of the impact assessment jigsaw puzzle fit together. We use this review to suggest an overarching research agenda that will enable impact assessment to evolve in line with changing expectations for what it should deliver. (c) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | EIA,"IMPACT ASSESSMENT",RESEARCH,"STATE OF THE ART","ASSESSMENT SEA PRACTICE",EIA,MANAGEMENT,PARTICIPATION,PERSPECTIVES,POLICY-MAKING,REFLECTIONS,SOUTH-AFRICA,"STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT","SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT" | None | None |
| WoS | WOS:000345143900001 | Impact of implementing performance-based financing on childhood malnutrition in Rwanda | Binagwaho, Agnes,Bizimana, Jean de Dieu,Condo, Jeanine,Forrest, Jamie I.,Kanters, Steve,Karema, Corine,Ngabo, Fidele,Wagner, Claire | 2014 | BMC PUBLIC HEALTH | 14 | None | 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1132 | Dartmouth College, Harvard University, The World Bank, University of British Columbia, University of Rwanda, Global Hlth Delivery Partnership, Govt Rwanda, RBC | "Bizimana, Jean de Dieu: The World Bank","Condo, Jeanine: University of Rwanda","Forrest, Jamie I.: University of British Columbia","Kanters, Steve: University of British Columbia", | Background: Malnutrition remains a serious concern in Rwanda, particularly among children under-5 years. Performance-based financing (PBF), an innovative health systems financing strategy, has been implemented at the national level since 2008. This study aimed to assess the impact of PBF and other factors associated with the prevalence of three classifications of malnutrition (stunting, wasting and underweight) in children under-5 years in Rwanda.
Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study comprising of 713 children under five years old from 557 households, whose anthropometric measurements (height, weight and age) had been obtained as part of the 2008 Rwanda General Health and HIV household survey. Z-scores for height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-height, and body mass index-for-age were analyzed according to the World Health Organization 2006 Child Growth Standards. Random intercept logistic regression models were used to regress each anthropometric measure (WAZ, HAZ and WHZ) against child, maternal and household characteristics.
Results: Child participants ranged in age from 0 to 60 months, 20.2% of children were under 12 months and 5.1% were HIV positive. The prevalence of wasting was 8.8%; of stunting was 58.4%; and of underweight status was 20.7%. Maternal emotional and social wellbeing was protective of wasting in children under-5 years of age. Living in districts implementing PBF was protective of wasting (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 0.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.19-0.97). Living in a district with PBF was not found to be associated with either stunting or underweight status among children under-5.
Conclusions: PBF may have a protective association with particular forms of malnutrition among children under-5 years in Rwanda. These findings warrant further investigation in relation to the impact of implementing innovative financing schemes on health outcomes. | "CHILD HEALTH",HIV/AIDS,MALNUTRITION,"MATERNAL HEALTH","Performance-based financing",COUNTRIES,GROWTH,HEALTH,"HIGH HIV PREVALENCE",INFANTS,MORTALITY,RISK-FACTORS,UGANDA,UNDERNUTRITION,YOUNG-CHILDREN | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885045724 | Evaluation of the taxonomic sufficiency approach for ichthyoplankton community analysis | Hernandez Jr. F.J., Carassou L., Graham W.M., Powers S.P. | 2013 | Marine Ecology Progress Series | 491 | None | 10.3354/meps10475 | Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States; Department of Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, United States; Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States; Department of Coastal Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States; Rhodes University, Department of Zoology and Entomology, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa | Hernandez Jr., F.J., Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States, Department of Coastal Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, United States; Carassou, L., Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States, Rhodes University, Department of Zoology and Entomology, PO Box 94, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa; Graham, W.M., Department of Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, United States; Powers, S.P., Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, United States, Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, United States | Ichthyoplankton identification is a time-consuming task, and often larvae cannot be identified to species due to a lack of adequate early life history descriptions. As a result, ichthyoplankton assemblage data are often analyzed at the family level, which results in a loss of taxonomic resolution, or at mixed taxonomic levels (e.g. family, genus and species combined), which can lead to difficulties in interpretation of results when a single species is included in multiple taxo nomic groupings. The taxonomic sufficiency (TS) approach has been used extensively in other disciplines (e.g. benthic marine macrofauna) to address similar analytical constraints, but to date this method has not been rigorously examined for ichthyoplankton studies. In this study, an ichthyoplankton data set collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico was proportioned into 3 data subsets with varying levels of taxonomic resolution: (1) species level only; (2) species, genus and family levels; and (3) combined taxonomic levels. Comparisons were made for assemblage metrics (larval density, richness and diversity) calculated for each taxonomic subset, as well as multivariate analyses of temporal variations characterizing ichthyoplankton assemblages. Genus- and species-level similarity matrices were highly correlated, which suggests analyses at the genus level could serve as a good proxy for species when examining assemblage diversity. Multivariate results for seasonal patterns were similar among family-, genus- and species-level analyses. The common approach of analyzing ichthyoplankton assemblages at mixed taxonomic levels, however, is not as statistically rigorous as single taxonomic-level analyses. © 2013 The authors. | Gulf of mexico; Larval fish; Multivariate community analyses; Seasonality; Taxonomic resolution | benthos; data set; ichthyoplankton; larva; life history; multivariate analysis; seasonality; similarity index; taxonomy; Atlantic Ocean; Gulf of Mexico | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930002990 | Performance evaluation of a membraneless divergent electrode-flow-through (DEFT) alkaline electrolyser based on optimisation of electrolytic flow and electrode gap | Gillespie M.I., Van Der Merwe F., Kriek R.J. | 2015 | Journal of Power Sources | 293 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.05.077 | Demcotech Engineering, P.O. Box 9624, Edenglen, South Africa; Electrochemistry for Energy and Environment Group, Research Focus Area: Chemical Resource Beneficiation (CRB), North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Gillespie, M.I., Demcotech Engineering, P.O. Box 9624, Edenglen, South Africa; Van Der Merwe, F., Electrochemistry for Energy and Environment Group, Research Focus Area: Chemical Resource Beneficiation (CRB), North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Kriek, R.J., Electrochemistry for Energy and Environment Group, Research Focus Area: Chemical Resource Beneficiation (CRB), North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa | A membraneless divergent electrode-flow-through (DEFT) alkaline electrolysis design and operating principle is investigated, which allows for the ohmic drop contribution and performance threshold limitations of a conventional membrane barrier to be overcome. Employing mesh electrodes of 30 mm diameter, operation of the electrolyser at an electrolytic flow velocity of 0.075-0.1 m s-1, resulted in an optimal electrode gap of ∼2.5 mm, while operating at greater velocities (>0.1-0.2 m s-1) allows for the employment of a smaller optimal gap of ∼0.8 mm. At an electrode gap of 2.5 mm and current densities of 3500 mA cm-2, hydrogen purity of 99.83% has been recorded. With pure nickel electrodes current densities of 101.19 mA cm-2 (at 1.80 VDC) and 326.33 mA cm-2 (at 2 VDC) have been achieved, while the use of superior catalysts, namely, RuO<inf>2</inf>/IrO<inf>2</inf>/TiO<inf>2</inf> and Pt for the anode and cathode respectively, resulted in the current densities to increase to 219.99 mA cm-2 (at 1.8 VDC) and 474.40 mA cm-2 (at 2 VDC) at an electrode gap of 2.5 mm and a minimum flow velocity of 0.075 m s-1. The test rig is capable of generating hydrogen at a rate of 63.6 L/hr at normal temperature and pressure (NTP). The production rate follows current density linearly at high overpotentials. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Alkaline water electrolysis; Hydrogen production; Membraneless | Current density; Electrolysis; Flow velocity; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Alkaline electrolysis; Alkaline water electrolysis; Membraneless; Normal temperature and pressures; Operating principles; Optimal electrodes; Superior catalysts; Threshold limitation; Electrodes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84910135346 | Energy absorption and ballistic limit of nanocomposite laminates subjected to impact loading | Balaganesan G., Velmurugan R., Srinivasan M., Gupta N.K., Kanny K. | 2014 | International Journal of Impact Engineering | 74 | None | 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2014.02.017 | Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; SERC, IISc Bangalore, India; Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Delhi, India; Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | Balaganesan, G., Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Velmurugan, R., Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Srinivasan, M., Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Gupta, N.K., SERC, IISc Bangalore, India, Department of Applied Mechanics, IIT Delhi, India; Kanny, K., Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa | Composite laminates made of glass/epoxy with and without nano fillers were subjected to projectile impact. The laminates of different thicknesses were prepared by hand lay-up and compression molding processes. Laminates were made from glass woven roving mats of 610 gsm, epoxy resin and nano clay of 1-5 wt.% of matrix. A piston type gas gun setup was used to impact a spherical nose projectile of diameter 9.5 mm and mass of 7.6 g, on the nanocomposite laminates at impact velocities in the range of their ballistic limit and above. The energy absorbed during penetration and ballistic limit of the nanocomposite laminates were studied both experimentally and analytically. The analytical model also predicts the energy absorbed in various failure modes due to tensile failure of primary fibers, deformation of secondary fibers, delamination and matrix crack. Mechanical properties like tensile modulus, stress-strain function, shear modulus, and strain energy release rate were used as input to the analytical model. Laminates of three, five and eight layers have been considered for the analysis. The effect of clay dispersion in the matrix for different failure modes is discussed. Ballistic limit obtained from the model is validated with experimental results and good agreement is found. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Ballistic limit; Energy absorption; Impact damage; Impact loading; Nanocomposites | Analytical models; Ballistics; Compression molding; Elastic moduli; Energy absorption; Epoxy resins; Failure (mechanical); Glass; Laminated composites; Mechanical properties; Nanocomposites; Projectiles; Strain; Strain rate; Stresses; Ballistic Limit; Composite laminate; Compression molding process; Impact damages; Impact loadings; Impact velocities; Projectile impact; Stress-strain functions; Laminates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84885919422 | Potential impacts of increasing average yields and reducing maize yield variability in Africa | Kostandini G., La Rovere R., Abdoulaye T. | 2013 | Food Policy | 43 | None | 10.1016/j.foodpol.2013.09.007 | Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, 221 Stuckey Building, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, United States; International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; International I | Kostandini, G., Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, 221 Stuckey Building, Griffin, GA 30223-1797, United States; La Rovere, R., International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Abdoulaye, T., International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Kano, Nigeria | This study evaluates the potential impacts of investing in Drought Tolerant Maize (DTM) in 13 countries of East, South and West Africa. The analysis utilizes geo-referenced production data at the regional and household levels and employs a model that estimates both the conventional mean yield gains and the additional benefits from yield stability gains of DTM varieties as well as impacts on poverty. The results indicate that by 2016, adoption of DTM can generate between US$ 362. million and US$ 590. million in cumulative benefits to both producers and consumers. Yield variance reductions stand to generate considerable benefits, especially in high drought risk areas. These benefits translate into poverty reductions in the range of 0.01-4.29% by 2016. Significant benefits are also found among different types of households living in drought risk areas of Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Africa; Drought; Maize; Poverty; Technology adoption; Yield stability | agricultural technology; crop production; crop yield; drought resistance; investment; maize; poverty alleviation; technology adoption; East Africa; South Africa; West Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908541613 | Design, construction, and evaluation of a mixed mode solar kiln with black-painted pebble bed for timber seasoning in a tropical setting | Ugwu S.N., Ugwuishiwu B.O., Ekechukwu O.V., Njoku H., Ani A.O. | 2015 | Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews | 41 | None | 10.1016/j.rser.2014.09.033 | Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Ugwu, S.N., Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ugwuishiwu, B.O., Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ekechukwu, O.V., National University Commission, Abuja, Nigeria; Njoku, H., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ani, A.O., Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Different designs and improvements on solar kiln for drying different types of products have been an ongoing research interest, ranging from simple and small capacity to automated dryers with integrated storage systems. In this article, mixed-mode solar kiln with black pebble bed as absorber and storage is designed and evaluated at Nsukka, Nigeria, latitude 6.8°N. It combines heat from an external collector and from a transparent roof, making it efficient for wood seasoning in tropical areas. The kiln consists of a drying chamber of 0.362 m3 capacity, a single glazed flat plate collector and transparent roof area of 0.54 m2, a pebble bed capacity of 0.1 m3, and a kiln orientation of 7°N-S facing south. At peak periods, timber stack in the drying chamber receives hot air flow from the collector and the transparent roof simultaneously. At off-peak periods, heat stored by pebble bed helps to avert reverse flow of moist air. Test results reveal that temperatures inside the dryer and solar collector were higher than the ambient temperature at all hours of the day. Maximum drying chamber temperature, which was obtained at midday, was 61.7°C. Kiln drying reduced timber moisture content from 66.27% to 12.9% whereas open air drying reduced to 20.1% dry basis in 360 hours. Also, the initial drying rates for both kiln dried wood and control were 0.205% and 0.564% per day and the final drying rates were 0.15% and 0.08% per day, respectively. The rapid rate of drying in the kiln reveals its ability to dry timber to safe moisture level without defects. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Drying; Kiln; Moisture content; Solar; Timber; Wood | Kilns; Moisture; Timber; Wood; Mixed mode; Pebble beds; Solar; Solar kiln; Drying; Forests; Kilns; Lumber; Moisture Content; Wood | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27644434475 | On farm evaluation of the effect of low cost drip irrigation on water and crop productivity compared to conventional surface irrigation system | Maisiri N., Senzanje A., Rockstrom J., Twomlow S.J. | 2005 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 30 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2005.08.021 | Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box CY 639, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; ICRISAT-Matopos, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Maisiri, N., Department of Agricultural Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box CY 639, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe; Senzanje, A., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; Rockstrom, J., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt. Pleasant, Zimbabwe; Twomlow, S.J., ICRISAT-Matopos, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | This on-farm research study was carried out at Zholube irrigation scheme in a semi-arid agro tropical climate of Zimbabwe to determine how low cost drip irrigation technologies compare with conventional surface irrigation systems in terms of water and crop productivity. A total of nine farmers who were practicing surface irrigation were chosen to participate in the study. The vegetable English giant rape (Brassica napus) was grown under the two irrigation systems with three fertilizer treatments in each system: ordinary granular fertilizer, liquid fertilizer (fertigation) and the last treatment with no fertilizer. These trials were replicated three times in a randomized block design. Biometric parameters of leaf area index (LAI) and fresh weight of the produce, water use efficiency (WUE) were used to compare the performance of the two irrigation systems. A water balance of the inflows and outflows was kept for analysis of WUE. The economic profitability and the operation, maintenance and management requirements of the different systems were also evaluated. There was no significant difference in vegetable yield between the irrigation systems at 8.5 ton/ha for drip compared to 7.8 ton/ha in surface irrigation. There were significant increases in yields due to use of fertilizers. Drip irrigation used about 35% of the water used by the surface irrigation systems thus giving much higher water use efficiencies. The leaf area indices were comparable in both systems with the same fertilizer treatment ranging between 0.05 for surface without fertilizer to 6.8 for low cost drip with fertigation. Low cost drip systems did not reflect any labour saving especially when manually lifting the water into the drum compared to the use of siphons in surface irrigation systems. The gross margin level for surface irrigation was lower than for low cost drip irrigation but the gross margin to total variable cost ratio was higher in surface irrigation systems, which meant that surface irrigation systems gave higher returns per variable costs incurred. It was concluded that low cost drip systems achieved water saving of more than 50% compared to surface irrigation systems and that it was not the type of irrigation system that influenced the yield of vegetables significantly but instead it is the type of fertilizer application method that contribute to the increase in the yield of vegetables. It was recommended that low cost technologies should be used in conjunction with good water and nutrient management if higher water and crop productivity are to be realized than surface irrigation systems. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Brassica napus; Fertigation; Low cost drip; Water productivity; Water use efficiency | Cost effectiveness; Crops; Economics; Evaporation; Fertilizers; Flow of water; Productivity; Soils; Transpiration; Water supply; Brassica napus; Fertigation; Low cost drip; Water productivity; Water use efficiency; Irrigation; crop production; drip irrigation; performance assessment; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Zimbabwe; Brassica napus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84906959586 | Vortex-assisted ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of sulfonylurea herbicides in wine samples by capillary high-performance liquid chromatography | Gure A., Lara F.J., García-Campaña A.M., Megersa N., Del Olmo-Iruela M. | 2014 | Food Chemistry | 170 | None | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.08.065 | Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain; Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Gure, A., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain, Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Lara, F.J., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain; García-Campaña, A.M., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain; Megersa, N., Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Del Olmo-Iruela, M., Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, Granada, Spain | A new sample treatment, namely vortex-assisted ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-IL-DLLME), followed by capillary liquid chromatography has been developed for the determination of four sulfonylurea herbicides (SUHs): flazasulfuron (FS), prosulfuron (PS), primisulfuron-methyl (PSM) and triflusulfuron-methyl (TSM) in wine samples. The ionic liquid (IL) 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C6MIM][PF6]) was used as extraction solvent and was dispersed using methanol into the sample solution, assisted by a vortex mixer. Various parameters influencing the extraction efficiency, such as type and amount of IL, type and volume of disperser solvent, sample pH, salting-out effect, vortex and centrifugation time were studied. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection and quantification of the proposed method were in the ranges of 3.2-6.6 and 10.8-22.0 μg kg-1, respectively; lower than the maximum residue limits set by the EU for these matrices. The proposed method was successfully applied to different wine samples and satisfactory recoveries were obtained. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Capillary liquid chromatography; Ionic liquid; Sulfonylurea herbicides; Vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction; Wine samples | Capillary high-performance liquid chromatography; Capillary liquid chromatography; Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction; Sulfonylurea herbicides; Vortex-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction; Wine sample; Ionic liquids; flazasulfuron; herbicide; imidazole derivative; ionic liquid; methanol; primisulfuron methyl; prosulfuron; sulfonylurea derivative; triflusulfuron methyl; unclassified drug; herbicide; ionic liquid; solvent; sulfonylurea derivative; Article; capillary high performance liquid chromatography; centrifugation; high performance liquid chromatography; limit of detection; limit of quantitation; liquid phase microextraction; pH; solvent extraction; vortex assisted ionic liquid dispersive liquid liquid microextraction; wine; analysis; chemistry; high performance liquid chromatography; procedures; wine; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Herbicides; Ionic Liquids; Solvents; Sulfonylurea Compounds; Wine | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874689758 | Evaluation of knowledge of cancer pain management among medical practitioners in a low-resource setting | Ogboli-Nwasor E., Makama J.G., Yusufu L.M.D. | 2013 | Journal of Pain Research | 6 | None | 10.2147/JPR.S38588 | Department of Anesthesia, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria | Ogboli-Nwasor, E., Department of Anesthesia, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Makama, J.G., Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria; Yusufu, L.M.D., Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University, Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria | Background: Several factors considered to be barriers to cancer pain management have been reported in the past. The knowledge of cancer pain management may be a hindrance to the proper assessment and treatment of pain in cancer patients. Objective: This report presents an evaluation of the knowledge and practice of cancer pain management among medical practitioners in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria. Methods: This report involves medical practitioners at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital who are directly involved in the management of cancer patients. Information was obtained using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using SPSS (version 11.5). Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 82%, with an age range of 23 to 50 years (mean age, 34.9), and the majority of actual respondents, 55 (67%), were male. Thirty-six (44%) strongly agreed that cancer patients require pain relief. Yet only 40% of the respondents routinely conducted pain assessments among cancer patients, while 51% only treated when patients complained of pain. Concerning the type of analgesic commonly used for cancer patients, 43% used weak opioids, 32% used NSAIDs, and only 20% used strong opioids. Seventy-five respondents (91.5%) had no formal training on pain management. Conclusion: The knowledge of pain management for cancer patients among medical personnel at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital appears to be elementary. We recommend that formal training in the form of lectures, seminars, and workshops on cancer pain management should be part of continuing medical education in low-resource settings like the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. © 2013 Artner et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. | Cancer pain; Evaluation; Knowledge; Management; Medical practitioners | nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent; opiate; adult; analgesia; article; cancer pain; cancer patient; female; health care delivery; human; major clinical study; male; Nigeria; pain assessment; physician; structured questionnaire; teaching hospital; university hospital | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925256528 | The impact of DNA parentage verification on breeding value estimation and sire ranking in South African Angora goats | Garritsen C., Van Marle-Köster E., Snyman M.A., Visser C. | 2015 | Small Ruminant Research | 124 | None | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.01.008 | Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X529, Middelburg, South Africa | Garritsen, C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Van Marle-Köster, E., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Snyman, M.A., Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, Private Bag X529, Middelburg, South Africa; Visser, C., Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa | Pedigree integrity plays a crucial role in the achievement of genetic progress in livestock selection programmes. DNA marker-based parentage testing has become a useful tool for amending inaccuracies in on-farm pedigree records. In the current study, the extent of inaccurate and incomplete pedigree records was quantified in 381 South African Angora goats using a 12 microsatellite markers. Eight half-sib families with a total of 317 Angora kids, 40 kids with unknown sires and an additional 16 putative sires were included in the study. 14.3% of the on-farm pedigrees were amended, including incorrect (according to the DNA verification) or incomplete records. Estimated breeding values (EBV) for fleece traits (fibre diameter and fleece weight) as well as body weights (birth weight and weaning weight) were calculated for 21 sires using ASREML, firstly for the breeder's recorded pedigree and secondly for the DNA-verified pedigree. An overall greater effect was observed in body weight traits than in fleece weight traits with regard to sire EBVs and the ranking thereof. The significant change realised in sire ranking after DNA marker-based pedigree verification emphasises the importance of pedigree integrity in maximising selection accuracy for the production of the highest quality mohair clip in the South African Angora goat industry. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Body weight; Fleece traits; Microsatellite markers; Pedigree integrity; Sire selection | Capra hircus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937512504 | Growth performance and carcass characteristics of three chicken strains in response to incremental levels of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf meal | Sebola N.A., Mlambo V., Mokoboki H.K., Muchenje V. | 2015 | Livestock Science | 178 | None | 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.04.019 | Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa; Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa; Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | Sebola, N.A., Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa, Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa; Mlambo, V., Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa, Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa; Mokoboki, H.K., Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa, Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University, Mmabatho, Mafikeng, South Africa; Muchenje, V., Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa | A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of three chicken strains (male and female) that are normally reared under extensive production systems in South Africa. Moringa leaves were harvested by hand, air-dried and milled into M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). The MOLM was chemically analysed and used to dilute a commercial broiler finisher diet at 0 (MOLM0), 25 (MOLM25), 50 (MOLM50), and 100 (MOLM100) g/kg DM, producing four dietary treatments. Two hundred and sixteen (216) Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK), Ovambo (OV) and Black Australorp (BA) chickens were raised on a commercial starter mash for 4 weeks. On the fourth week, experimental diets were offered and growth performance data were collected over a period of 13 weeks. Carcass characteristics were measured upon slaughter at the end of the 13-week feeding period. Diet×strain interaction was significant (. P<0.001) for feed intake but not (. P>0.05) for growth rate and FCE. Feed intake responded to incremental levels of MOLM in an asymptotic fashion. Maximum feed intake was achieved at dietary MOLM inclusion levels between 50 and 70. g/kg DM. Black Australorp chickens had the highest feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of 2.35, while OV and PK chickens had lower FCE values of 2.09 and 2.05, respectively. Diet, strain and gender, all had significant effects on dressing percent (. P<0.001), leg and thigh weight (. P<0.05), and wing weight (. P<0.05). Male chickens attained higher (. P<0.05) carcass weight, leg and thigh weight, dressing percent, and breast mass than female chickens (. P<0.001). In female chickens, diets containing MOLM resulted in chickens with better carcass weight, leg and thigh weight, dressing percent, and breast mass compared to the control. In conclusion, Black Australorp chickens were better at utilizing diets with higher levels of MOLM compared to OV and PK strains. Inclusion of MOLM in chicken diets positively affected growth performance and carcass characteristics of the birds. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.. | Carcass weight; Feed conversion efficiency; Feed intake; Indigenous chickens; Moringa oleifera leaf meal | Aves; Gallus gallus; Moringa; Moringa oleifera | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930274972 | Growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and carcass traits of broiler chickens fed dry, wet and fermented-wet feed | Akinola O.S., Onakomaiya A.O., Agunbiade J.A., Oso A.O. | 2015 | Livestock Science | 177 | None | 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.04.016 | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Ni | Akinola, O.S., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Onakomaiya, A.O., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Agunbiade, J.A., McPherson University Seriki-Satayo, Km 96 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway P.M.B. 2094, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Oso, A.O., Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria | This study seeks to investigate the growth performance, intestinal morphology, carcass traits and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens fed with dry, wet and fermented-wet feed. Three experimental diets were formulated in this study. Diet 1 was dry mash feed. Diet 2 was wet mash feed in a 1:1.3 mix with water. Diet 3, was fermented-wet mash feed in a 1:1.3 mix with water which was fermented for 24. h in sealed plastic polythene bags prior to feeding. A total of 192 two-weeks-old broilers (Marshal strain) were randomly assigned to the experimental diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group was replicated four times with 16 birds per replicate. Each dietary treatment was fed immediately to the birds after re-constitution. Fermentation of the feed reduced (P<0.05) the pH from 6.61 to 4.37. Birds fed fermented-wet and wet mash recorded higher (P<0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P>0.05) by wet and fermented-wet fed birds compared to the dry fed birds. Mortality was not affected by dietary treatment imposed. Apparent organic matter digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed fermented-wet feed when compared to birds fed with dry and wet feed. Intestinal villus morphology and carcass measurement were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatment imposed. However, birds fed wet feed showed lower (P<0.05) gizzard weight when compared to birds fed fermented-wet feed. Birds fed with fermented-wet mash recorded higher (P<0.05) abdominal fat than those fed with dry mash. The results of this study indicated fermented-wet feeding improved apparent organic matter digestibility with a resultant improved growth performance of broiler chicken. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Broiler chicken; Carcass; Fermented-wet feed; Intestinal morphology; Performance; Wet feed | Aves; Gallus gallus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924454886 | Growth performance and blood profile of female rabbits fed dietary cerium oxide | Adua O.A., Akinmuyisitana I.W., Gboreb F.A. | 2013 | Journal of Bio-Science | 21 | None | None | Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Adua, O.A., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Akinmuyisitana, I.W., Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Gboreb, F.A., Department of Environmental Biology and Fisheries, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria | Context: Rare earth elements, the 15 lanthanide elements with atomic numbers 57 (lanthanum) through 71 (lutetium), have been reported to be capable of producing reasonable growth-promoting effects in all classes of livestock and at the same time increase milk yield and egg production. However, concentration and type of rare earth element as well as the compositions of individual elements are important factors influencing the performance enhancing effects of REE on animals. Objective: The effects of inclusion of different dietary concentrations of Cerium oxide (CeO), a Rare Earth Element on growth performance and blood parameters of female rabbits. Materials and Methods: In an 8-week feeding experiment, 32 growing female rabbits were used. The rabbits were assigned to different dietary concentrations of Cerium oxide (CeO) at 0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm. The initial weight, feed intake and final weight were determined. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment for hematological and serum biochemical analyses. Results: The daily weight gain, daily dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio significantly increased (P<0.05) with increase in dietary CeO concentrations. The CeO supplemented diets generally had significantly (P<0.05) higher daily weight gain of 7.52 10.29 g compared with 6.65 g for those on the control diet. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, leukocyte and the mean differential leukocyte counts were significantly (P<0.05) influenced while the serum biochemical parameters examined, except urea, were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the dietary CeO. Conclusion: This study revealed that diets supplemented with CeO, particularly at 200 ppm concentration, is capable of improving body weight gain, daily dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio in rabbits without any detrimental effect on the blood parameters indicating good health status of the animals. © 2003 Institute of Biological Science. All rights reserved. | Cerium oxide; Growth; Hematology; Rabbit; Rare earth element; Serum biochemistry | Animalia; Oryctolagus cuniculus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941175383 | Nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of Washera lambs supplemented with graded levels of sweet blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) seed | Ephrem N., Tegegne F., Mekuriaw Y., Yeheyis L. | 2015 | Small Ruminant Research | 130 | None | 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.07.019 | Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Arid Land Research Centre, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, Japan; Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Ephrem, N., Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Tegegne, F., Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Arid Land Research Centre, Tottori University, 1390 Hamasaka, Tottori, Japan; Mekuriaw, Y., Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Yeheyis, L., Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 527, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | The experiment was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of Washera lambs fed natural pasture hay-based diet supplemented with graded levels of sweet blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) seed. Twenty male intact Washera lambs with average age of four months and initial body weight of 16.9±0.32kg (mean±SD) were used in 90 days feeding trial followed by 10 days digestibility trial. The design of the experiment was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. The four supplement feeds were;150g wheat bran (WB) (control-T<inf>1</inf>), 150g WB+195g sweet lupin seed (SLS) (T<inf>2</inf>), 150g WB+245g SLS (T<inf>3</inf>) and 150g WB and 295g SLS (T<inf>4</inf>). Natural pasture hay was offered ad libitum. Digestibility trial was conducted at the end of the growth trial. Data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of SAS (version 9.2). Means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range test. Correlation between nutrient intake, digestibility of nutrients and weight gain were analyzed using Pearson correlation procedure. Results showed that supplementation of SLS significantly increased total dry matter, crude protein and organic matter intakes. Supplementation of SLS improved the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter (P<0.05) and crude protein (P<0.001). However, the digestibility of NDF and ADF were not affected by supplementation (P 0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) was higher (P<0.001) for the SLS supplemented groups (61.8-89.1g/day). It was concluded that sweet blue lupin seed could serve as alternative CP supplement in natural pasture hay-based feeding of Washera sheep. Based on the biological performance of the experimental lambs (ADG and FCE values), T<inf>3</inf> could be recommended for practical feeding of lambs if optimum performance is targeted. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.. | Digestibility; Dryland; Ethiopia; Grass hay; Nutrient intake; Sweet blue lupin; Washera sheep; Weight change | None | None |
| None | None | Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu cattle finished on molasses or maize grain with rice or maize by-products | Asimwe L., Kimambo A.E., Laswai G.H., Mtenga L.A., Weisbjerg M.R., Madsen J., Mushi D.E. | 2015 | Livestock Science | 182 | None | 10.1016/j.livsci.2015.11.001 | Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Department of Animal Science, Au Foulum, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele, Denmark; Department of Larger Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark | Asimwe, L., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Kimambo, A.E., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Laswai, G.H., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Mtenga, L.A., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania; Weisbjerg, M.R., Department of Animal Science, Au Foulum, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele, Denmark; Madsen, J., Department of Larger Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark; Mushi, D.E., Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania | Forty five steers (2.5-3.0 years of age and 200±5 (SEM) kg body weight) were allotted randomly into five diets to assess the effects of finishing Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu (TSZ) cattle in feedlot using diets based on either molasses or maize grain combined with maize or rice by-products. The diets were hay and concentrate mixtures of hominy feed with molasses (HFMO), rice polishing with molasses (RPMO), hominy feed with maize meal (HFMM), rice polishing with maize meal (RPMM) and a control of maize meal with molasses (MMMO). All concentrate mixtures contained cotton seed cake, mineral mixture, salt and urea. Both hay and concentrate were fed ad libitum and with free access to drinking water for 90 days. Feed intake, body weights and carcass characteristics were recorded. The daily total dry matter intake (DMI, kg/day) was greater (P<0.05) in molasses based diets (7.64 for RPMO and 7.35 for HFMO) than in maize grain based diets (6.94, 6.73 and 6.19 for RPMM, MMMO and HFMM, respectively). Energy intake was highest (P<0.05) in HFMO (86 MJ/day) and lowest in RPMM (69 MJ/day). Crude protein intake was highest in HFMO (867 g/day) and lowest in RPMO (725 g/day). Feed conversion ratio (kg feed DMI/kg gain) was lower (P<0.05) for steers fed on HFMM (7.87) and HFMO (8.09) than those fed on MMMO (10.4), RPMM (11.0) and RPMO (11.5). Steers fed on HFMO had the highest (P<0.05) daily weight gain (919. g/day), total weight gain (83. kg), final live weight (283. kg), empty body weight (268. kg) and hot carcass weight (151. kg). The proportion of internal fat to empty body weight (2.7%) in steers fed on HFMO was higher (P<0.05) than those from other diets. Nevertheless, all carcasses showed relatively high fat cover (1.1-1.6. cm). It is concluded that agro-processing by products are good feed resources for finishing TSZ cattle in feedlots with formulations based on molasses being superior over those based on maize meal, and hominy feed being superior over rice polishing. A combination of molasses and hominy feed (HFMO) could be used successfully as an alternative to maize meal in finishing TSZ cattle in feedlot. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Agro-processing by-products; Carcass characteristics; Feedlot; Weight gain | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861039633 | Evaluation of nutritional quality of dried cashew nut testa using laboratory rat as a model for pigs | Donkoh A., Attoh-Kotoku V., Osei Kwame R., Gascar R. | 2012 | The Scientific World Journal | 2012 | None | 10.1100/2012/984249 | Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; College of Agriculture and Integrated Development Studies, Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia | Donkoh, A., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, College of Agriculture and Integrated Development Studies, Cuttington University, Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia; Attoh-Kotoku, V., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Osei Kwame, R., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Gascar, R., Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana | Dried cashew nut testa (DCNT) was characterized with respect to proximate, mineral, and energy profile. The crude protein, crude fibre, and fat and ash contents were, in gkg-1DM, 190.0, 103.0, 20.1, and 20.2, respectively, with metabolizable energy of 7.12MJkg-1DM. In a feeding trial, isoproteic diets containing DCNT (O, 50, 100, and 150gkg-1) were fed ad libitum to 4 groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats (110g body weight, n=20) for a period of 4 weeks. The rats, used as model for pigs, had free access to water. As the dietary DCNT content was increased from 0 to 150gkg -1, there was a significant (P<0.01) decrease in feed intake (r=-0.99), water intake (r=-0.87), and a reduction in body weight gain (r=-0.93) and efficiency of feed utilization (r=0.78). However, no deaths or health-related problems were recorded during the study. Dietary treatments had no impact on liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, and intestinal weights. Cost per gram feed and feed cost per gram live weight gain were reduced when DCNT was used. The experimental diet containing 50gDCNTkg-1 supported the best growth performance with the lowest feed cost per gram live weight gain of GHc0.18. Seasonal increases in the prices of conventional feedstuffs like maize and fishmeal would make the use of agroindustrial by-products such as DCNT in pig diets even more attractive. © 2012 Armstrong Donkoh et al. | None | animal experiment; animal food; animal tissue; article; cashew nut; controlled study; dietary fiber; dietary intake; experimental rat; fat content; fluid intake; heart weight; intestine; kidney mass; liver weight; lung weight; male; nonhuman; nutritional value; protein content; rat; swine; weight gain; Anacardium; animal; animal food; animal model; body weight; caloric intake; chemistry; dietary fiber; drinking; drug effect; economics; evaluation; maize; nut; nutritional value; plant seed; Sprague Dawley rat; Anacardium occidentale; Rattus; Rattus norvegicus; Suidae; Zea mays; calcium; magnesium; plant extract; vegetable protein; Anacardium; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Body Weight; Calcium; Dietary Fiber; Drinking; Energy Intake; Magnesium; Male; Models, Animal; Nutritive Value; Nuts; Plant Extracts; Plant Proteins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Seeds; Swine; Weight Gain; Zea mays | None |
| None | None | The impact of antenatal HIV diagnosis on postpartum childbearing desires in northern Tanzania: A mixed methods study | Keogh S.C., Urassa M., Roura M., Kumogola Y., Kalongoji S., Kimaro D., Changalucha J., Zaba B. | 2012 | Reproductive Health Matters | 20 | None | 10.1016/S0968-8080(12)39634-1 | Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Population Studies Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Keogh, S.C., Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Urassa, M., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Roura, M., Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Kumogola, Y., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Kalongoji, S.; Kimaro, D.; Changalucha, J., National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania; Zaba, B., Population Studies Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | With the expansion of routine antenatal HIV testing, women are increasingly discovering they are HIV-positive during pregnancy. While several studies have examined the impact of HIV on childbearing in Africa, few have focused on the antenatal/postpartum period. Addressing this research gap will help tailor contraceptive counseling to HIV-positive women's needs. Our study measures how antenatal HIV diagnosis affects postpartum childbearing desires, adjusting for effects of HIV before diagnosis. A baseline survey on reproductive behavior was administered to 5,284 antenatal clients before they underwent routine HIV testing. Fifteen months later, a follow-up survey collected information on postpartum reproductive behavior from 2,162 women, and in-depth interviews with 25 women investigated attitudes toward HIV and childbearing. HIV diagnosis was associated with a long-term downward adjustment in childbearing desires, but not with changes in short-term postpartum desires. The qualitative interviews identified health concerns and nurses' dissuasion as major factors discouraging childbearing post-diagnosis. At the same time, pronatalist social norms appeared to pressure women to continue childbearing. Given the potential for fertility desires to change following antenatal HIV diagnosis, contraceptive counseling should be provided on a continuum from antenatal through postpartum care, taking into account the conflicting pressures faced by HIV-positive women in relation to childbearing. | Antenatal care; Fertility desires; HIV and pregnancy; Post-partum period; Reproductive health services; Tanzania | antiretrovirus agent; age distribution; article; attitude to pregnancy; educational status; family decision making; family size; female; follow up; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; infection risk; maternal attitude; parity; paternal attitude; prenatal diagnosis; prevalence; priority journal; puerperium; qualitative analysis; reproductive rights; risk reduction; rural population; sexual behavior; Tanzania; virus transmission; women's health; women's rights; Adolescent; Adult; Contraception; Family Planning Services; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Intention; Middle Aged; Motivation; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Prevalence; Qualitative Research; Reproductive History; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| None | None | Impact of local pre-harvest management practices in maize on the occurrence of Fusarium species and associated mycotoxins in two agro-ecosystems in Tanzania | Degraeve S., Madege R.R., Audenaert K., Kamala A., Ortiz J., Kimanya M., Tiisekwa B., De Meulenaer B., Haesaert G. | 2015 | Food Control | 59 | None | 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.05.028 | Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, Ghent, Belgium; Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Cuenca University, Av. 12 de abril s/n Cdla. Universitaria, P.O. Box 01.01.168, Cuenca, Ecuador; School of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technologies, Tanzania | Degraeve, S., Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, Ghent, Belgium; Madege, R.R., Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; Audenaert, K., Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, Ghent, Belgium; Kamala, A., Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority, P.O. Box 77150, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Ortiz, J., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Cuenca University, Av. 12 de abril s/n Cdla. Universitaria, P.O. Box 01.01.168, Cuenca, Ecuador; Kimanya, M., School of Life Sciences and Bio Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technologies, Tanzania; Tiisekwa, B., Faculty of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania; De Meulenaer, B., Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Haesaert, G., Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, Ghent, Belgium | Knowledge on the presence of mycotoxins in Africa is fragmentary, although it can be assumed that both concentrations and prevalence in food commodities is high. The present study focuses on the presence of Fusarium species and their associated mycotoxins in maize from two geographically distant agro ecological systems in Tanzania. In a two-year survey, both Fusarium species and concomitant mycotoxins were surveyed in the Northern highlands (Hanang district) and the Eastern lowlands (Kilosa district). Parallel with this, a questionnaire on agricultural practices in both agro-ecosystems was included in this study. This allowed us to put the presence of the toxigenic Fusarium species and their mycotoxins within a relevant agricultural framework.Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium poae were the predominant species in both locations although the population in the Eastern lowlands was slightly more complex comprising also Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium sporotrichioides. The predominant presence of F.verticillioides resulted in a high prevalence of fumonisins in both regions. The importance of F.graminearum in the population was reflected by the presence of deoxynivalenol in the mycotoxin analysis. Although the agricultural practices differed significantly amongst both locations, only few significant correlations were detected between mycotoxin presence and crop rotation, storage conditions, and insect control measures. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Fusarium mycotoxins; Fusarium population; Maize; Production practices; Tanzania | Fusarium; Fusarium culmorum; Fusarium poae; Fusarium sporotrichioides; Gibberella avenacea; Gibberella zeae; Hexapoda; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868454984 | Monitoring of N-methyl carbamate pesticide residues in water using hollow fibre supported liquid membrane and solid phase extraction | Msagati T.A.M., Mamba B.B. | 2012 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2012.08.016 | Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | Msagati, T.A.M., Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; Mamba, B.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa | The aim of this work was to develop a method for the determination of N-methyl carbamates in water involving hollow fibre supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) and solid phase extraction (SPE) as sample preparation methods. Four N-methyl carbamate pesticides, aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran and methiocarb sulfoxide, were simultaneously extracted and analysed by a liquid chromatograph with a diode array detector (LC-UV/DAD) and a liquid chromatograph coupled to a ion trap quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-ESI-MS). The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of carabamate extracts was performed on a C 18 column with water-acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The mass spectrometry analyses were carried out in the positive mode, operating under both the selected ion monitoring (SIM) and full scan modes. The solid phase recoveries of the extracts ranged between 8% and 98%, with aldicarb having the highest recoveries, followed by carbaryl, carbofuran and methiocarb had the lowest recovery. The HFSLM recovery ranged between 8% and 58% and the order of recovery was similar to the SPE trend. Factors controlling the efficiency of the HFSLM extraction such as sample pH, stripping phase pH, enrichment time, stirring speed as well as organic solvent used for entrapment of analytes, were optimised to achieve the highest enrichment factors. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. | High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; Hollow fibre supported liquid membrane; N-methyl carbamates; Solid phase extraction | Aldicarb; Analytes; Carbaryl; Carbofurans; Diode array detectors; Enrichment factors; Hollow fibre; Ion traps; LC-ESI-MS; Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry; Mass spectrometry analysis; Methiocarb; Mobile phase; N-methyl carbamate; N-Methyl carbamate pesticides; Positive mode; Quadrupole mass spectrometer; Sample pH; Sample preparation methods; Scan mode; Selected ion monitoring; Solid-phase; Solid-phase extraction; Stirring speed; Supported liquid membrane; Acetonitrile; Chromatography; High performance liquid chromatography; Insecticides; Liquid membranes; Mass spectrometry; Organic solvents; Recovery; extraction method; liquid chromatography; mass spectrometry; membrane; pesticide residue; water pollution | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84900009340 | Sulfur/gadolinium-codoped TiOnanoparticles for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance | Agorku E.S., Mamba B.B., Pandey A.C., Mishra A.K. | 2014 | Journal of Nanomaterials | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/289150 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; Nanotechnology and Application Centre, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India | Agorku, E.S., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; Mamba, B.B., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; Pandey, A.C., Nanotechnology and Application Centre, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India; Mishra, A.K., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa | A series of S/Gd3+-codoped TiOphotocatalysts were synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Laboratory experiments with Indigo Carmine chosen as a model for organic pollutants were used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of S/Gd3+-codoped TiOunder visible-light with varying concentrations of Gd3+ ions in the host material. XRD and Raman results confirmed the existence of anatase phase TiOwith particle size ranging from 5 to 12 nm. Codoping has exerted a great influence on the optical responses along with red shift in the absorption edge. S/Gd3+-codoped TiOshowed significant visible-light induced photocatalytic activity towards Indigo Carmine dye compared with S-TiOor commercial TiO TiOS/Gd3+ (0.6% Gd3+) degraded the dye (k a = 5.6 × 10-2 min-1) completely in 50 min. © 2014 Eric S. Agorku et al. | None | Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Sol-gel process; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Absorption edges; Indigo carmine dyes; Laboratory experiments; Modified sol-gel method; Optical response; Photocatalytic activities; Photocatalytic performance; UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; Energy dispersive spectroscopy | NRF, Neurosurgical Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84935913145 | Gum ghatti and poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) based biodegradable hydrogel-evaluation of the flocculation and adsorption properties | Mittal H., Maity A., Ray S.S. | 2015 | Polymer Degradation and Stability | 120 | None | 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.06.008 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa; DST/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa | Mittal, H., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa, DST/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Maity, A., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa, DST/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa; Ray, S.S., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa, DST/CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa | The main aim of this study was to develop a biodegradable flocculent and adsorbent based on the graft co-polymer of the Gum ghatti (Gg) with the co-polymer mixture of acrylamide (AAM) and acrylic acid (AA) using the microwave assisted graft co-polymerization technique. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The swelling capacity of the synthesized hydrogel was studied in the double distilled water and it showed the maximum swelling capacity of 2547% at 50 °C. Moreover, the hydrogel polymer was employed for the selective removal of saline water from different petroleum fraction-saline emulsions. The flocculation characteristics of the synthesized hydrogel were investigated in clay suspension and the maximum flocculation efficiency was observed in the acidic clay suspension with 20 mg l-1 polymer dose. Furthermore, the synthesized hydrogel polymer was also employed for the successful removal of cationic dyes from the aqueous solutions and it was found to adsorb 96% of malachite green and 99% of methyl violet. Finally, the hydrogel polymer was subjected to biodegradation using the composting method and 91.77% degradation was achieved after 60 days. In summary, the biodegradable Gg-cl-P(AAM-co-AA) hydrogel have demonstrated potential for its use as flocculants and absorbents. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Adsorption; Biodegradation; Flocculation; Gum ghatti; Hydrogel polymer | Acrylic monomers; Adsorption; Amides; Ascorbic acid; Biodegradable polymers; Biodegradation; Carboxylic acids; Copolymers; Dyes; Flocculation; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Grafting (chemical); Microbiology; Organic acids; Polymers; Saline water; Scanning electron microscopy; Stripping (dyes); Suspended sediments; Suspensions (fluids); Thermogravimetric analysis; Adsorption properties; Biodegradable hydrogels; Double distilled water; Flocculation efficiency; Graft co polymerizations; Gum ghatti; Hydrogel polymers; Swelling capacities; Hydrogels | HGERAOZ, CSIR, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930378351 | Evaluation of sample preparation methods for the detection of total metal content using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in wastewater and sludge | Dimpe K.M., Ngila J.C., Mabuba N., Nomngongo P.N. | 2014 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2014.11.006 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, South Africa | Dimpe, K.M., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, South Africa; Ngila, J.C., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, South Africa; Mabuba, N., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, South Africa; Nomngongo, P.N., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, South Africa | Heavy metal contamination exists in aqueous wastes and sludge of many industrial discharges and domestic wastewater, among other sources. Determination of metals in the wastewater and sludge requires sample pre-treatment prior to analysis because of certain challenges such as the complexity of the physical state of the sample, which may lead to wrong readings in the measurement. This is particularly the case with low analyte concentration to be detected by the instrument. The purpose of this work was to assess and validate the different sample preparation methods namely, hot plate and microwave-assisted digestion procedures for extraction of metal ions in wastewater and sludge samples prior to their inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric (ICP-OES) determination. For the extraction of As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, three acid mixtures, that is, HNO<inf>3</inf>/H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>, HNO<inf>3</inf>/HClO<inf>4</inf>/H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf> and aqua regia+H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>, were evaluated. Influent wastewater spiked with the SRM (CWW-TM-B) was used for the optimization of acid mixtures affecting the extraction procedure. After sample digestion, the filtration capabilities of cellulose-acetate filter paper and the acrodisc syringe filter with the pore size of 0.45μm were compared. In terms of performance, acrodisc syringe filter in terms of the improved recoveries obtained, was found to be the best filtration method compared to the filter paper. Based on the analytical results obtained, microwave-assisted digestion (MAD) using aqua regia+H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf> mixture was found to be the most suitable method for extraction of heavy metals and major elements in all the sample matrices. Therefore, MAD using aqua regia+H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf> mixture was used for further investigations. The precision of the developed MAD method expressed in terms of relative standard deviations (% RSD) for different metals was found to be <5%. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.12% to 2.18μgL-1 and 0.61% to 3.43μgL-1, respectively. The accuracy of the developed method (MAD using aqua regia+H<inf>2</inf>O<inf>2</inf>) was verified by analyzing two SRMs (CWW-TM-A and CWW-TM-B) and the obtained results were in agreement with certified values with recoveries ranging from 80% to 104% for CWW-TM-A and 84% to 102% for CWW-TM-B. The accuracy of the developed method was verified also by the recovery test in the spiked sludge samples. The accuracy and spike recovery test for different metal ions were in the range 80-104% and 92-106%, respectively. The developed method was applied for extraction of the As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn in environmental samples, namely wastewater and sludge. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Heavy metals; Hot plate-assisted digestion; Microwave-assisted digestion; Sludge; Wastewater | Aluminum; Electric discharges; Heavy metals; Inductively coupled plasma; Iron compounds; Lead removal (water treatment); Light emission; Manganese; Manganese removal (water treatment); Metal ions; Metal recovery; Metals; Mixtures; Nickel; Nitric acid; Optical emission spectroscopy; Plasma diagnostics; Plasma torches; Plate metal; Pore size; Recovery; Sludge digestion; Spectrometry; Syringes; Wastewater; Wastewater treatment; Zinc; Heavy metal contamination; Hot plates; Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric; Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; Microwave assisted digestion; Relative standard deviations; Sample preparation methods; Sludge; Extraction; concentration (composition); extraction method; filter; heavy metal; inductively coupled plasma method; sampling; sludge; wastewater | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84930376404 | Predictive complexation models of the impact of natural organic matter and cations on scaling in cooling water pipes: A case study of power generation plants in South Africa | Bosire G.O., Ngila J.C., Mbugua J.M. | 2014 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | None | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2014.11.007 | Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, P.O. Box 52428, Nairobi, Kenya | Bosire, G.O., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Ngila, J.C., Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa; Mbugua, J.M., Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Department of Chemical Sciences and Technology, P.O. Box 52428, Nairobi, Kenya | This work discusses simulative models of Ca and Mg complexation with natural organic matter (NOM), in order to control the incidence of scaling in pipes carrying cooling water at the Eskom power generating stations in South Africa. In particular, the paper reports how parameters such as pH and trace element levels influence the distribution of scaling species and their interactions, over and above mineral phase saturation indices. In order to generate modelling inputs, two experimental scenarios were created in the model solutions: Firstly, the trace metals Cu, Pb and Zn were used as markers for Ca and Mg complexation to humic acid and secondly the effect of natural organic matter in cooling water was determined by spiking model solutions. Labile metal ions and total elements in model solutions and water samples were analysed by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), respectively. ICP-OES results revealed high levels of K, Na, S, Mg and Ca and low levels of trace elements (Cd, Se, Pb, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Al and Zn) in the cooling water samples. Using the Tipping and Hurley's database WHAM in PHREEQC format (T_H.DAT), the total elemental concentrations were run as inputs on a PHREEQC code, at pH 6.8 and defined charge as alkalinity (as HCO3-) For model solutions, PHREEQC inputs were based on (i) free metal differences attributed to competitive effect of Ca and the effect of Ca+Mg, respectively; (ii) total Ca and Mg used in the model solutions and (iii) alkalinity described as hydrogen carbonate. Anodic stripping peak heights were used to calculate the concentration of the free/uncomplexed/labile metal ions (used as tracers) in the model solutions. The objective of modelling was to describe scaling in terms of saturation indices of mineral phases. Accordingly, the minerals most likely to generate scale were further simulated (over a range of pH (3-10) to yield results that mimicked changing pH. Speciation calculations of Cu2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ generated azurite, cerrusite and smithsonite mineral phases, which showed positive saturation indices at higher pH, hence increased potential to precipitate (form scale). The derived predictive models would act as a useful management tool and henceforth aid to avoid unnecessary costs due to the consequences of scaling. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Cooling water; Humic acid; Metal complexation; Mineral phases; Natural organic matter; Pipe scaling | Alkalinity; Biogeochemistry; Biological materials; Calcium; Chemicals removal (water treatment); Cooling; Copper; Electric substations; Inductively coupled plasma; Magnesium; Manganese; Manganese removal (water treatment); Metal ions; Metals; Minerals; Optical emission spectroscopy; Organic acids; Organic compounds; pH; Spectrometry; Trace elements; Voltammetry; Water pipelines; Zinc; Elemental concentrations; Humic acid; Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; Metal complexation; Mineral phasis; Natural organic matters; Speciation calculations; Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry; Cooling water; calcium; cation; complexation; cooling water; humic acid; magnesium; organic matter; pipe; power generation; power plant; South Africa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908285007 | Growth performance and nutrient utilization of African mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings fed different levels of fermented pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) meal | Alegbeleye W.O., Obasa S.O., Olude O.O., Moronkeji T., Abdulraheem I. | 2012 | Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh | 64 | None | None | Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | Alegbeleye, W.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Obasa, S.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Olude, O.O., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Moronkeji, T., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Abdulraheem, I., Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria | The suitability of fermented pigeon pea meal as a protein ingredient in diets for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was evaluated. A strain of Rhizopus oligoporus was used to ferment the meal for six days at 37°C. Five isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.45 MJ/kg) diets were formulated in which fermented meal was used to replace soybean meal at five inclusion levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). Diets were fed to triplicate groups of C. gariepinus fingerlings for 70 days. Crude protein content (22.6%-27.0%), total sugar, calcium, and phosphorus increased while lipids, carbohydrate, crude fiber, and antinutritional factors decreased in catfish fed increasing levels of pigeon pea meal. The group fed the 100% diet had significantly (p<0.05) better growth, which declined as the inclusion level declined. The apparent digestibility coefficients protein and dry increased with the inclusion level. No histopathological changes were observed in the liver. The highest crude protein content in catfish tissues was obtained in the group that received the highest inclusion level. The study shows that fermented pigeon pea meal can replace soybean meal in practical feeds for C. gariepinus without compromising growth performance or nutrient utilization. © Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamigdeh. | Cajanus cajan; Clarias gariepinus; Fermentation; Growth; Nutrient utilization; Soybean | artificial diet; fermentation; fish culture; growth rate; histopathology; nutrient dynamics; performance assessment; protein; soybean; Cajanus cajan; Clarias gariepinus; Glycine max | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84895778746 | Evaluation of urban residential thermal comfort in relation to indoor and outdoor air temperatures in Ibadan, Nigeria | Adunola A.O. | 2014 | Building and Environment | 75 | None | 10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.02.007 | Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | Adunola, A.O., Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria | A thermal comfort survey was conducted in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Ten percent (12) of the 119 neighbourhoods identified from the metropolitan map were selected by stratified random sampling comprising 2 low, 3 medium and 7 high residential densities. Systematic random sampling was used to select a total of 528 houses within these neighbourhoods for the survey. Indoor and outdoor measurements of air temperature and other relevant climatic elements were carried out in representative buildings within the neighbourhoods. For each selected building, an adult resident filled a questionnaire indicating the indoor thermal response at different periods of the day using the ASHRAE thermal comfort scale. Significant variations of air temperature and thermal response manifested across the residential densities and neighbourhoods. The air temperature variation across the neighbourhoods was found to be influenced by the different neighbourhood characteristics. Maximum values of measured outdoor and indoor temperatures ranged from 34.1°C to 36.9°C and from 32.5°C to 35°C respectively. The reduction in maximum temperatures from outdoor to indoor was in the range of 1.6-1.9°C. The variation of temperature across residential densities was found to affect indoor thermal comfort. It was inferred that the urban microclimate had impact on the indoor comfort of residents. Mean comfort vote was related to indoor and outdoor temperature by linear equations. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Air temperature; Thermal comfort; Tropical climate; Urban microclimate | Housing; Space heating; Surveys; Thermal comfort; Air temperature; Air temperature variations; Indoor and outdoor airs; Indoor thermal comfort; Outdoor measurements; Stratified random sampling; Tropical climates; Urban microclimate; Atmospheric temperature; air temperature; building; indoor air; neighborhood; tropical environment; urban climate; Ibadan; Nigeria; Oyo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876529124 | Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of Peltophorum africanum: Toxicological effect on human Chang liver cell line | Okeleye B.I., Mkwetshana N.T., Ndip R.N. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/878735 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | Okeleye, B.I., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Mkwetshana, N.T., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 570, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon | We assessed the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Peltophorum africanum by means of the agar well and macrodilution methods. The toxicity on a normal human liver cell (Chang liver cell) was determined using the CellTiter-Blue cell viability assay, and the compounds contained in the fractions were identified using GC-MS. Zone diameter of inhibition of the extract ranged from 12.5 ± 0.7 to 32 ± 2.8 mm for bacteria and from 7.5 ± 0.7 to 26.4 ± 3.4 mm for yeast. Marked activity of the extract was observed against Plesiomonas shigelloides ATCC 51903, with MIC and MLC values of 0.15625 and 0.3125 mg/mL, respectively. The extract was both bactericidal (MIC index ≤ 2) and bacteriostatic/fungistatic (MIC index > 2) in activity. Lethal dose at 50 (LD50) showed 82.64 ± 1.40 degree of toxicity at 24 hrs, and 95 percentile of cell death dose activity ranged from log 3.12 ± 0.01 to 4.59 ± 0.03. The activity of the eight fractions tested ranged from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 1.6 mg/mL (IC50) and from 2.1 ± 0.8 to 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL (IC90). The extract was toxic to human Chang liver cell lines. © 2013 Benjamin I. Okeleye et al. | None | Peltophorum africanum extract; plant extract; unclassified drug; antifungal agent; antiinfective agent; plant extract; agar dilution; antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; article; bactericidal activity; cell death; controlled study; drug cytotoxicity; human; human cell; LD 50; liver cell culture; mass fragmentography; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; Peltophorum africanum; Plesiomonas shigelloides; bacterial phenomena and functions; Caesalpinia; cell survival; chemistry; drug effect; fungus; liver tumor; pathology; physiology; treatment outcome; tumor cell line; Peltophorum africanum; Plesiomonas shigelloides; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifungal Agents; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Caesalpinia; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Fungi; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Treatment Outcome | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84862338892 | Evaluation of the acetone and aqueous extracts of mature stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea for antioxidant and antimicrobial properties | Tanih N.F., Ndip R.N. | 2012 | Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/834156 | Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | Tanih, N.F., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa; Ndip, R.N., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon | We assayed the antimicrobial activity of acetone and aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea on some selected bacteria and fungi species including; Streptococcus pyogenes, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella typhimurium, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Trichosporon mucoides, and Candida krusei using both agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Based on the levels of activity, the acetone extract was examined for total polyphenolic content, radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Total phenols of the extract were determined spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH, ABTS and reducing power. All the bacteria and fungi species were susceptible to the plant extracts. The acetone extract was the most active for the bacterial species with MIC (0.1560.625mg/mL) while the aqueous extract was the most active for the fungi species with MIC (0.31251.25mg/mL). The polyphenolic compounds were found as 27.2mg/g tannic acid equivalent, 25.2mg/g quercetin equivalent, 9.1mg/g quercetin equivalent for phenols, flavonoid and flavonols respectively. The acetone extract exhibited a remarkable ability to scavenge radicals, strong reducing ability and a potential source of natural antioxidants. Both the acetone and aqueous extracts of S. birrea may provide a target for drug discovery. Copyright © 2012 Nicoline F. Tanih and Roland N. Ndip. | None | 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; 2,2' azinobis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline 6 sulfonic acid); acetone; amphotericin B; antiinfective agent; antioxidant; ciprofloxacin; flavonoid; flavonol; plant extract; quercetin; scavenger; sclerocarya birrea extract; tannin; unclassified drug; Aeromonas hydrophila; agar diffusion; Anacardiaceae; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; article; bark; Candida glabrata; Candida krusei; controlled study; Cryptococcus neoformans; drug activity; drug screening; drug sensitivity; medicinal plant; minimum inhibitory concentration; nonhuman; plant stem; Plesiomonas shigelloides; priority journal; Salmonella typhimurium; Sclerocarya birrea; spectrophotometry; Streptococcus pyogenes; Trichosporon | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886042127 | Interaction of nanoparticles with arginine kinase from Trypanosoma brucei: Kinetic and mechanistic evaluation | Adeyemi O.S., Whiteley C.G. | 2013 | International Journal of Biological Macromolecules | 62 | None | 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.09.008 | Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Adeyemi, O.S., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa; Whiteley, C.G., Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa | Arginine kinase is not only absent from mammalian hosts but is critical to the survival of trypanosomes under stressful conditions and consequently its inhibition may lead to an effective treatment for trypanosomiasis. The His-tagged enzyme was cloned from Trypanosoma brucei genomic DNA, expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 DE3 cells and purified on a Ni-affinity column and by FPLC on a Superdex 200 HR. The enzyme had a specific activity of 2.92μmolmin-1mgprotein-1, molecular mass of 40kDa, temperature and pH optima of 30°C and 7.8, and Km and Vmax as 2.94mM and 0.161μmolml-1min-1 (arginine substrate). The interaction of the enzyme with silver and gold nanoparticles showed a non-competitive inhibition with, respectively, 75% and 62% decrease in activity; Ki values ranged from 1.5nM (Ag) to 3.1nM (Au). A mechanism for this inhibition was by interaction with Cys271 positioned 3.3Å from the reactive NH1 of substrate arginine. This cysteine controls electrophilic and nucleophilic character of the guanidinium group that is crucial for enzymatic phosphoryl transfer between ADP and ATP. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Arginine kinase; Kinetic analysis; Mechanism; Silver, gold nanoparticles; Trypanosomiasis | adenosine diphosphate; adenosine triphosphate; arginine; arginine kinase; cysteine; genomic DNA; gold nanoparticle; guanidine; histidine; nickel; silver nanoparticle; article; competitive inhibition; controlled study; electrophilicity; enzyme activity; enzyme analysis; enzyme inhibitor interaction; enzyme kinetics; enzyme substrate complex; Escherichia coli; fast protein liquid chromatography; molecular cloning; molecular weight; nonhuman; nucleophilicity; pH; temperature; Trypanosoma brucei; trypanosomiasis; Arginine kinase; Kinetic analysis; Mechanism; Silver, gold nanoparticles; Trypanosomiasis; Arginine Kinase; Cloning, Molecular; Enzyme Activation; Gene Expression; Gold; Kinetics; Mechanical Phenomena; Metal Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; Protein Binding; Recombinant Proteins; Silver; Trypanosoma brucei brucei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867597555 | Toxicity evaluation of crankcase oil in rats | Arise R.O., Tella A.C., Akintola A.A., Akiode S.O., Malomo S.O. | 2012 | EXCLI Journal | 11 | None | None | Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Arise, R.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Tella, A.C., Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Akintola, A.A., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Akiode, S.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Malomo, S.O., Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crankcase oil on the cellular and functional integrity of rat skin. Thirty (30) rats were randomly grouped into six viz groups A-F. Group A (base-line control) received 2 ml of distilled water. 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 7.5 %, and 10.0 % v/v of the crankcase oil were prepared using unused oil as solvent and 2 ml of the concentrations were topically administered to groups C-F respectively for seven consecutive days. Group B served as positive control and received 2 ml of the unused oil. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration, and blood and part of the skin were collected. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde level in the blood and skin samples collected were evaluated. Elemental analysis of the crankcase oil was also carried out. The result revealed high lead, iron and chromium levels. Blood lead concentration of rats was significantly (P<0.05) high after seven days of administration. ALP level in skin and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) with the concentration of crankcase oil. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in skin ACP activity while it increased significantly (P<0.05) in the serum. Similar results were observed in the SOD levels of the serum and the skin. The level increased significantly (P<0.05) in groups D-F when compared with controls. The MDA concentration of both serum and skin were significantly (P<0.05) elevated. This suggests toxic potential of used lubricating oil and its potential predisposition to cancer. | Cancer; Crankcase oil; Malondialdehyde; Superoxide dismutase | acid phosphatase; alkaline phosphatase; chromium; crankase oil; fuel oil; iron; lead; malonaldehyde; superoxide dismutase; unclassified drug; animal experiment; animal tissue; article; blood sampling; concentration (parameters); controlled study; cytotoxicity; enzyme activity; enzyme assay; enzyme blood level; female; molecular dynamics; nonhuman; rat; skin examination; skin toxicity; toxicity testing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926640115 | Evaluation of stream water quality data generated from MODIS images in modeling total suspended solid emission to a freshwater lake | Ayana E.K., Worqlul A.W., Steenhuis T.S. | 2015 | Science of the Total Environment | 523 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.132 | Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; School of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, New York, United States; The Nature ConservancyVA, United States | Ayana, E.K., Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, Columbia University, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, New York, United States, The Nature ConservancyVA, United States; Worqlul, A.W., Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, School of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; Steenhuis, T.S., Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, School of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Modeling of suspended sediment emission into freshwater lakes is challenging due to data gaps in developing countries. Existing models simulate sediment concentration at a gauging station upstream and none of these studies had modeled total suspended solids (TSS) emissions by inflowing rivers to freshwater lakes as there are no TSS measurements at the river mouth in the upper Blue Nile basin. In this study a 10. year TSS time series data generated from remotely sensed MODIS/Terra images using established empirical relationship is applied to calibrate and validate a hydrology model for Lake Tana in Upper Blue Nile Basin. The result showed that at a monthly time scale TSS at the river mouth can be replicated with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NS) of 0.34 for calibration and 0.21 for validation periods. Percent bias (PBIAS) and ratio of the root-mean-square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR) are all within range. Given the inaccessibility and costliness to measure TSS at river mouths to a lake the results found here are considered useful for suspended sediment budget studies in water bodies of the basin. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Freshwater monitoring; Lake tana; MODIS; TSS | Budget control; Developing countries; Lakes; Mean square error; Radiometers; Rivers; Sediments; Water; Water quality; Empirical relationships; Lake Tana; MODIS; Root mean square errors; Sediment concentration; Stream water quality; Total suspended solids; TSS; Suspended sediments; freshwater environment; lake water; MODIS; pollution monitoring; remote sensing; satellite imagery; streamwater; suspended sediment; Terra (satellite); time series; water quality; Article; catchment; Egypt; environmental monitoring; hydrology; image analysis; lake ecosystem; mathematical model; priority journal; satellite imagery; sediment; sensitivity analysis; stream (river); suspended particulate matter; validation process; water analysis; water flow; water quality; analysis; chemistry; lake; procedures; river; water pollutant; Blue Nile Basin; Ethiopia; Lake Tana; Nile Basin; water pollutant; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Hydrology; Lakes; Rivers; Satellite Imagery; Water Movements; Water Pollutants | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929222762 | The impact of paleoclimate, geologic history, and human influence on the evolution of East African cichlids | Twesigye C.K. | 2015 | Quaternary International | 369 | None | 10.1016/j.quaint.2014.10.065 | Department of Biological Sciences, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box, 1, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda | Twesigye, C.K., Department of Biological Sciences, Kyambogo University, P.O. Box, 1, Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda | The cichlid fishes of the East African Great Lakes are the largest extant vertebrate radiation identified to date. These lakes and their watersheds support over 2000 species of cichlid fish, many of which are descended from single common ancestor within the past 25Ma-10Ma. The extraordinary East African cichlid diversity is linked to the highly variable geologic and paleoclimatic history of this region. The East Africa rift system (EARS) is the roughly north-south alignment of rift basins in East Africa that defines the boundary between the Somalian and African plates. The EARS is divided into two structural branches that are also oriented roughly north-south. Rifting in the eastern branch began 30-35 Ma in the Afar and Ethiopian Plateau and propagated north-south until it impinged on the strong Precambrian Tanzanian cratonic block, which is in the center of the East Africa Plateau. The timing of the initiation of the western branch of the EARS is uncertain and has been suggested to have begun as early as 25 Ma to as recently as 12-10 Ma. Uplifting associated with this rifting backponded many rivers and created Lake Victoria. Since their creation, these lakes have changed dramatically which has, in turn, significantly influenced the evolutionary history of the lakes' cichlids. This paper examines the geologic history, paleoclimate of the East African Great Lakes, and human influence and the impact of these forces on the region's endemic cichlid fishes using evidence from geologic and molecular data. A drastic decline has occurred in the size of cichlid fishes populations since the beginning of the 20th century, exacerbated by two main factors; an increase in the size of the human population and increased fishing pressure and fish introductions. One of the attendant consequences of such a decline is a reduction in the amount of genetic diversity in the surviving populations due to increased effects of random genetic drift. Information about the amount of genetic variation within and between the remaining populations is vital for their future conservation and management. The genetic structure of a cichlid fish, the Nile tilapia, was examined using nucleotide variation of mitochondrial control region sequences and four nuclear microsatellite loci in 128 individuals from seven localities. Forty three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes were observed, fourteen of which were geographically localized. We found significant genetic differentiation between the five populations at the mitochondrial locus while three out of the four microsatellite loci differentiated five populations. The possible contributions from human activities such as water pollution, overfishing and fish introductions are also discussed. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. | East African cichlids; Evolution; Genetic diversity; Geologic history; Human influence; Paleoclimate | anthropogenic effect; cichlid; DNA; evolutionary biology; genetic differentiation; genetic variation; geological record; paleoclimate; population genetics; Afar; East African Lakes; East African Rift; Ethiopian Highlands; Lake Victoria; African cichlids; Cichlidae; Oreochromis niloticus; Pisces; Vertebrata | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934977706 | Interaction between gallotannin and a recombinant form of arginine kinase of trypanosoma brucei: Thermodynamic and spectrofluorimetric evaluation | Adeyemi O.S., Sulaiman A.F., Iniaghe O.M. | 2014 | Journal of Biophysics | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/675905 | Department of Biological Sciences, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Adeyemi, O.S., Department of Biological Sciences, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria; Sulaiman, A.F., Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Iniaghe, O.M., Department of Biochemistry, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Current chemotherapies against trypanosomiasis are beset with diverse challenges, a situation which underscores the numerous research efforts aimed at finding newer and effective treatments. Arginine kinase of trypanosome has been validated as target for drug development against trypanosomiasis. The present study investigated the interaction between a recombinant form of the arginine kinase (rTbAK) of trypanosome and gallotannin. The interaction between gallotannin and recombinant arginine kinase of Trypanosoma brucei caused significant decrease of enzyme activity. Kinetic analysis revealed the interaction to be of noncompetitive inhibition. Further thermodynamic analysis showed that the interaction between gallotannin and the recombinant arginine kinase was nonspontaneous and involved hydrophobic forces. The K sv values and the FRET analysis suggest that static quenching of fluorescence intensity by gallotannin was static. Data revealed inhibitory interactions between gallotannin and rTbAK of trypanosome. Although the mechanism of inhibition is not clear yet, molecular docking studies are ongoing to clearly define the inhibitory interactions between the gallotannin and rTbAK. The knowledge of such binding properties would enrich development of selective inhibitors for the arginine kinase of Trypanosoma brucei. © 2014 O. S. Adeyemi et al. | None | Trypanosoma brucei | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84890111619 | Evaluation of different wastewater treatment processes and development of a modified attached growth bioreactor as a decentralized approach for small communities | Azizi S., Valipour A., Sithebe T. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/156870 | Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyungsan 712-749, South Korea | Azizi, S., Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; Valipour, A., Department of Civil Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyungsan 712-749, South Korea; Sithebe, T., Department of Biological Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa | This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential future use of three biological processes in order to designate the most desired solution for on-site treatment of wastewater from residential complexes, that is, conventional activated sludge process (CASP), moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), and packed-bed biofilm reactor (PBBR). Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6, 3, and 2 h can be achieved in CASP, MBBR, and PBBR, respectively. The PBBR dealt with a particular arrangement to prevent the restriction of oxygen transfer efficiency into the thick biofilms. The laboratory scale result revealed that the overall reduction of 87% COD, 92% BOD5, 82% TSS, 79% NH3-N, 43% PO4-P, 95% MPN, and 97% TVC at a HRT of 2 h was achieved in PBBR. The microflora present in the system was also estimated through the isolation, identification, and immobilization of the microorganisms with an index of COD elimination. The number of bacterial species examined on the nutrient agar medium was 22 and five bacterial species were documented to degrade the organic pollutants by reducing COD by more than 43%. This study illustrated that the present PBBR with a specific modified internal arrangement could be an ideal practice for promoting sustainable decentralization and therefore providing a low wastage sludge biomass concentration. © 2013 Shohreh Azizi et al. | None | organic matter; oxygen; polypropylene; agar; organic compound; activated sludge; agar medium; article; biochemical oxygen demand; biofilm; biofilm reactor; biomass conversion; bioreactor design; chemical oxygen demand; controlled study; decentralization; hydraulic conductivity; immobilization; microbial community; microbial identification; microflora; modified attached growth bioreactor; moving bed biofilm reactor; oxygen transport; packed bed biofilm reactor; waste water; waste water management; biomass; bioreactor; chemistry; equipment design; isolation and purification; metabolism; methodology; microbial consortium; microbiology; sewage; time; water management; water pollutant; Bacteria (microorganisms); Agar; Biofilms; Biological Oxygen Demand Analysis; Biomass; Bioreactors; Equipment Design; Microbial Consortia; Organic Chemicals; Oxygen; Sewage; Time Factors; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Water; Water Microbiology; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878023229 | Impact of the flower-galling midge, Dasineura rubiformis Kolesik, on the growth of its host plant, Acacia mearnsii De Wild, in South Africa | Impson F.A.C., Post J.A., Hoffmann J.H. | 2013 | South African Journal of Botany | 87 | None | 10.1016/j.sajb.2013.04.006 | Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | Impson, F.A.C., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa, ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Post, J.A., ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Hoffmann, J.H., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa | Acacia mearnsii (black wattle), although recognised as being extremely invasive and problematic in South Africa, is cultivated as an important commercial plant in parts of the country. Following the introduction of a flower-galling midge, Dasineura rubiformis (Cecidomyiidae), into the Western Cape Province for biological control of A. mearnsii, trials to confirm that galling would not affect growth rates of the host-plant were necessitated before the midge could be more-widely distributed. Insecticide exclusion of the midge from selected branches of the plant enabled comparison of growth rates of branches with high and low levels of galling. Over fifteen months the increment in branch diameter was greater on highly galled branches than on lightly galled branches with pods. This result indicates that D. rubiformis, while reducing seed set to very low levels, does not negatively affect growth of its host and that the midge will have no detrimental effect on the wattle forestry industry in South Africa. © 2013 South African Association of Botanists. | Black wattle; Gall loads; Insecticide-treatment; Pod loads; Vegetative growth | biological control; fly; growth rate; host plant; insecticide; invasive species; legume; seed set; wild population; South Africa | 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-s2.0-84878302517 | Evaluation of combination effects of ethanolic extract of Ziziphus mucronata Willd. subsp. mucronata Willd. and antibiotics against clinically important bacteria | Olajuyigbe O.O., Afolayan A.J. | 2013 | The Scientific World Journal | 2013 | None | 10.1155/2013/769594 | Department of Botany, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | Olajuyigbe, O.O., Department of Botany, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa; Afolayan, A.J., Department of Botany, Phytomedicine Research Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa | A pragmatic approach to the treatment of infectious diseases with multicausal agents and prevention of the development of resistant isolates is the combination of herbal remedies with the first-line antimicrobial agents to which most of them have become resistant. This study evaluated the interactions between the ethanolic bark extract of Ziziphus mucronata with known antimicrobial agents in vitro. In this study, the results showed that varied zones of inhibitions (ZME - chloramphenicol (17-42 mm), ZME - amoxicillin (17-35 mm), ZME - tetracycline (17-36 mm), ZME - ciprofloxacin (20-41 mm), ZME - nalidixic acid (17-34 mm), and ZME - kanamycin (17-38 mm)) were produced by the antibacterial combinations. At the highest combined concentrations, 12 isolates (ZME - ciprofloxacin) > 10 isolates (ZME - chloramphenicol) = (ZME - kanamycin) > 6 isolates (ZME - amoxicillin) = (ZME - nalidixic acid) and 5 isolates (ZME - tetracycline) were inhibited with zones of inhibition greater than 20 ± 1.0 mm. Although the agar diffusion assay suggested that the interactions between the ethanolic extract of Z. mucronata and the antibiotics were both synergistic and additive in nature, the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) showed that the interactions were synergistic (54.17%), additive (27.78%), indifferent (16.67%), and antagonistic (1.39%). While the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) for synergism ranged between 0.00391 and 0.5, that of additivity ranged between 0.516 and 1.0, indifferences ranged between 1.062 and 3.0 and antagonistic interaction was 5.0. The synergistic effects implied that the antibacterial combinations would be more effective and useful in the treatment of multicausal and multidrug-resistant bacteria than a single monotherapy of either antibacterial agent. © 2013 Olufunmiso Olusola Olajuyigbe and Anthony Jide Afolayan. | None | amoxicillin; antibiotic agent; antiinfective agent; ciprofloxacin; ethanolic extract; kanamycin; nalidixic acid; plant extract; tetracycline; unclassified drug; Ziziphus mucronata extract; alcohol; antiinfective agent; agar diffusion; article; bacterium; bark; in vitro study; minimum inhibitory concentration; monotherapy; nonhuman; Ziziphus; bacterial phenomena and functions; bark; cell survival; chemistry; drug combination; drug effect; Ziziphus; Ziziphus mucronata; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Cell Survival; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ethanol; Plant Bark; Plant Extracts; Ziziphus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749051862 | Impacts of land and water use on plankton diversity and water quality in small man-made reservoirs in the Limpopo basin, Zimbabwe: A preliminary investigation | Basima L.B., Senzanje A., Marshall B., Shick K. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.026 | Department of Biology/Hydrobiology, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic Congo; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Biology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; P.O. Box 56, Wise River, MT 59762, United States | Basima, L.B., Department of Biology/Hydrobiology, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic Congo; Senzanje, A., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Marshall, B., Department of Biology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Shick, K., P.O. Box 56, Wise River, MT 59762, United States | This paper reports on a study carried out from February to April 2005 in the southern part of Zimbabwe in the Mzingwane catchment, Limpopo basin to investigate the impacts of land and water use on the water quality and ecosystem health of eight small man-made reservoirs. Four of the reservoirs of were located in communal lands while the remaining four were located in the National Park Estates, considered pristine. Plankton community structure was identified in terms of abundance and diversity as an indirect assessment of water quality and ecosystem health. In addition, phosphorus, nitrogen, pH, transparency, electric conductivity and hardness were analysed. The results obtained indicate that a significant difference in abundance of phytoplankton groups was found between the communal lands and the National Park Estates (P < 0.01). Though the highest phytoplankton abundance was observed in April, February showed the highest number of taxa (highest diversity). Chlorophytes was the major group in both periods with 29 genera in February and 20 in April followed by Diatoms with 17 genera in February and 12 in April. The zooplankton community was less diverse and less abundant and did not show any seasonality pattern. Phosphorus (0.022 ± 0.037 mg/l) and nitrogen (0.101 ± 0.027 mg/l) had similar trends in the study area during the study period. Transparency of water was very low (ca. 27 cm secchi depth) in 75% of the reservoirs with communal lands' reservoirs having a whitish colour, likely reducing light penetration and therefore photosynthetic potential. Evidence from the study indicates that, at this time, activities in the communal lands are not significantly impacting the ecosystem health of reservoirs, as water quality characteristics and plankton diversity on communal lands were not significantly different from the pristine reservoirs in National Park. However, water managers are urged to continuously monitor the changes in land and water uses around these multipurpose reservoirs in order to prevent possible detrimental land and water uses that might occur in the future. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Ecosystem health; Land use; Plankton community; Small man-made reservoir; Water quality; Water resources management | Catchments; Ecosystems; Electric conductivity of liquids; Hardness; Land use; Nitrogen; pH; Phosphorus; Transparency; Water quality; Man-made reservoir; Water resource management; Water use; Reservoirs (water); ecological impact; ecosystem health; environmental monitoring; human activity; hydrological response; land use; national park; plankton; reservoir; species diversity; water quality; water use; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe; Bacillariophyta; Chlorophyta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871592463 | The impact of voluntary exercise on relative telomere length in a rat model of developmental stress | Botha M., Grace L., Bugarith K., Russell V.A., Kidd M., Seedat S., Hemmings S.M. | 2012 | BMC Research Notes | 5 | None | 10.1186/1756-0500-5-697 | Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Botha, M., Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Grace, L., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Bugarith, K., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Russell, V.A., Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Kidd, M., Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Seedat, S., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa; Hemmings, S.M., Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa | Background: Exposure to early adverse events can result in the development of later psychopathology, and is often associated with cognitive impairment. This may be due to accelerated cell aging, which can be catalogued by attritioned telomeres. Exercise enhances neurogenesis and has been proposed to buffer the effect of psychological stress on telomere length. This study aimed to investigate the impact of early developmental stress and voluntary exercise on telomere length in the ventral hippocampus (VH) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the rat. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were categorised into four groups: maternally separated runners (MSR), maternally separated non-runners (MSnR), non-maternally separated runners (nMSR) and non-maternally separated non-runners (nMSnR). Behavioural analyses were conducted to assess anxiety-like behaviour and memory performance in the rats, after which relative telomere length was measured using qPCR. Results: Maternally separated (MS) rats exhibited no significant differences in either anxiety levels or memory performance on the elevated-plus maze and the open field compared to non-maternally separated rats at 49 days of age. Exercised rats displayed increased levels of anxiety on the day that they were removed from the cages with attached running wheels, as well as improved spatial learning and temporal recognition memory compared to non-exercised rats. Exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed that maternally separated non-exercised rats exhibited significantly longer telomere length in the VH compared to those who were not maternally separated; however, exercise appeared to cancel this effect since there was no difference in VH telomere length between maternally separated and non-maternally separated runners. Conclusions: The increased telomere length in the VH of maternally separated non-exercised rats may be indicative of reduced cellular proliferation, which could, in turn, indicate hippocampal dysfunction. This effect on telomere length was not observed in exercised rats, indicating that voluntary exercise may buffer against the progressive changes in telomere length caused by alterations in maternal care early in life. In future, larger sample sizes will be needed to validate results obtained in the present study and obtain a more accurate representation of the effect that psychological stress and voluntary exercise have on telomere length. © 2012 Botha et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Exercise; Relative telomere length; Stress | Animalia; Elagatis; Rattus; animal; animal behavior; article; cognition; disease model; exercise; genetics; hippocampus; male; maze test; memory; mental stress; metabolism; prefrontal cortex; psychological aspect; rat; real time polymerase chain reaction; running; separation anxiety; Sprague Dawley rat; telomere; telomere homeostasis; Animals; Anxiety, Separation; Behavior, Animal; Cognition; Disease Models, Animal; Hippocampus; Male; Maze Learning; Memory; Physical Exertion; Prefrontal Cortex; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Running; Stress, Psychological; Telomere; Telomere Homeostasis; Volition | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78751639457 | The impact of HIV/AIDS on micro-enterprise development in kenya: A study of obunga slum in Kisumu | Oloo C.A., Ojwang C. | 2010 | World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology | 67 | None | None | Department of Business and Economics, Maseno University, Kenya; Maseno University, Department of Business and Economics, Maseno, Kenya | Oloo, C.A., Department of Business and Economics, Maseno University, Kenya; Ojwang, C., Maseno University, Department of Business and Economics, Maseno, Kenya | The performances of small and medium enterprises have stagnated in the last two decades. This has mainly been due to the emergence of HIV / Aids. The disease has had a detrimental effect on the general economy of the country leading to morbidity and mortality of the Kenyan workforce in their primary age. The present study sought to establish the economic impact of HIV / Aids on the micro-enterprise development in Obunga slum-Kisumu, in terms of production loss, increasing labor related cost and to establish possible strategies to address the impact of HIV / Aids on micro-enterprises. The study was necessitated by the observation that most micro-enterprises in the slum are facing severe economic and social crisis due to the impact of HIV / Aids, they get depleted and close down within a short time due to death of skilled and experience workforce. The study was carried out between June 2008 and June 2009 in Obunga slum. Data was subjected to computer aided statistical analysis that included descriptive statistic, chi-squared and ANOVA techniques. Chi-squared analysis on the micro-enterprise owners opinion on the impact of HIV / Aids on depletion of micro-enterprise compared to other diseases indicated high levels of the negative effects of the disease at significance levels of P<0.01. Analysis of variance on the impact of HIV / Aids on the performance and productivity of micro-enterprises also indicated a negative effect on the general performance of micro-enterprise at significance levels of P<0.01. Therefore reducing the negative impacts of HIV/Aids on micro-enterprise development, there is need to improve the socio-economic environment, mobilize donors and stake holders in training and funding, and review the current strategies for addressing the disease. Further conclusive research should also be conducted on a bigger scale. | Entrepreneurship; HIV-AIDS; Micro-enterprise; Poverty | Chi-Squared; Computer-aided statistical analysis; Descriptive statistics; Detrimental effects; Economic impacts; Enterprise development; Entrepreneurship; General economy; HIV-AIDS; Micro-enterprise; Micro-enterprises; Negative impacts; Poverty; Production loss; Small and medium enterprise; Socio-economic environments; Stake holders; Computer aided analysis; Diseases; Economic analysis; Housing; Planning; Regression analysis; Industry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33645356204 | Peripheral reductive capacity is associated with cognitive performance and survival in Alzheimer's disease | Minghetti L., Greco A., Puopolo M., Combrinck M., Warden D., Smith A.D. | 2006 | Journal of Neuroinflammation | 3 | None | 10.1186/1742-2094-3-4 | Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom | Minghetti, L., Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Greco, A., Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Puopolo, M., Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Section of Degenerative and Inflammatory Neurological Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Combrinck, M., Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom; Warden, D., The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom; Smith, A.D., The Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA), Department of Pharmacology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, United Kingdom, Oxford Centre for Gene Function, Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Rd., Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom | Background: Oxidative stress is believed to be an early event and a key factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and progression. In spite of an intensive search for surrogate markers to monitor changes related to oxidative stress in the brain, there is as yet no consensus about which markers to use in clinical studies. The measurement of peripheral anti-oxidants is an alternative way of evaluating the involvement of oxidative stress in the course of the disease. Given the complexity of peripheral anti-oxidant defence, variations in the levels of individual anti-oxidant species may not fully reflect the overall capacity to fight oxidant conditions. We therefore chose to evaluate the total reductive capacity (herein defined as anti-oxidant capacity, AOC) in serum from control subjects and AD patients in order to study the association between peripheral antioxidant defence, cognitive impairment and patient survival. Methods: We measured the levels of AOC in serum samples from 26 cognitively normal controls and 25 AD patients (12 post-mortem confirmed) who completed the Cambridge Cognitive Assessment. Cognitive decline was assessed in a subgroup of 19 patients who underwent a second cognitive assessment 2 years after the initial visit. Results: Serum AOC levels were lower in AD patients than in controls and were correlated with their cognitive test scores, although AOC levels were unrelated to cognitive decline assessed two years later. On the other hand, AOC levels were predictive of the length of patients' survival, with higher levels giving longer survival. Conclusion: This study indicates that peripheral anti-oxidant defences are depleted in AD patients. The results suggest that serum AOC is a good index of the general health status and prognosis of patients but does not necessarily reflect the extent to which vulnerable neuronal populations are protected from oxidant processes. Further studies are required to establish whether peripheral AOC measurements may be useful in identifying asymptomatic individuals or those with early symptoms at high risk of developing significant cognitive impairment or dementia. © 2006 Minghetti et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | antioxidant; adult; aged; Alzheimer disease; article; cognitive defect; controlled study; correlation analysis; disease association; disease course; disease marker; female; follow up; health status; high risk patient; human; major clinical study; male; mental performance; mental test; neuroprotection; oxidative stress; pathogenesis; prediction; prognosis; risk assessment; scoring system; serology; survival time | None |
| None | None | Immune system modulation by helminth infections: Potential impact on HIV transmission and disease progression | Chachage M., Geldmacher C. | 2014 | Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology | 828 | None | 10.1007/978-1-4939-1489-0_6 | Department of Cellular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC), Hospital Hill road, Mbeya, Tanzania; Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical center of the University of Munish (LMU), Munich, Germany | Chachage, M., Department of Cellular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research-Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC), Hospital Hill road, Mbeya, Tanzania; Geldmacher, C., Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical center of the University of Munish (LMU), Munich, Germany | [No abstract available] | None | albendazole; CD14 antigen; CD38 antigen; chemokine receptor CCR5; immunoglobulin E; interleukin 13; interleukin 17; interleukin 4; interleukin 5; RANTES; soil; Article; ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; CD4 lymphocyte count; CD8+ T lymphocyte; cost effectiveness analysis; cytokine production; cytokine response; disease course; disease predisposition; eosinophilia; human; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunomodulation; immunostimulation; in vitro study; in vivo study; incidence; infection risk; microbial translocation; microbiological phenomena and functions; nonhuman; pathogenesis; phylogeny; political system; prevalence; priority journal; Schistosoma hematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; schistosomiasis haematobia; schistosomiasis mansoni; sequence analysis; signal transduction; trichuriasis; Trichuris trichiura; virus load; virus replication; virus transmission; animal; bacterial translocation; CD4+ T lymphocyte; helminthiasis; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunology; parasitology; soil; transmission; Vermes; Animals; Bacterial Translocation; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Disease Progression; Disease Susceptibility; Helminthiasis; HIV Infections; Humans; Soil | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77954596259 | Performance evaluation of AOP/biological hybrid system for treatment of recalcitrant organic compounds | Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa E.M., Makgato S.S. | 2010 | International Journal of Chemical Engineering | None | None | 10.1155/2010/590169 | Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Water Utilization Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa | Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa, E.M., Water Utilization Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Makgato, S.S., Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | Process water from nuclear fuel recovery unit operations contains a variety of toxic organic compounds. The use of decontamination reagents such as CCl4 together with phenolic tar results in wastewater with a high content of chlorophenols. In this study, the extent of dehalogenation of toxic aromatic compounds was evaluated using a photolytic advanced oxidation process (AOP) followed by biodegradation in the second stage. A hard-to-degrade toxic pollutant, 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), was used to represent a variety of recalcitrant aromatic pollutants in effluent from the nuclear industry. A UV-assisted AOP/bioreactor system demonstrated a great potential in treatment of nuclear process wastewater and this was indicated by high removal efficiency (>98) under various 4-CP concentrations. Adding hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) as a liquid catalyst further improved biodegradation rate but the effect was limited by the scavenging of OH radicals under high concentrations of H 2O2. Copyright © 2010 S. S. Makgato and E. M. Nkhalambayausi-Chirwa. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84877810357 | Fluidization of high-density particles: The influence of fines on reactor performance | Saayman J., Ellis N., Nicol W. | 2013 | Powder Technology | 245 | None | 10.1016/j.powtec.2013.04.011 | Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Main Campus, Corner Lynwood Rd and Roper St., Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada | Saayman, J., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Main Campus, Corner Lynwood Rd and Roper St., Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Ellis, N., Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Nicol, W., Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Main Campus, Corner Lynwood Rd and Roper St., Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa | The effect of fines on the hydrodynamics of a gas-solid fluidized bed and ozone decomposition reaction was investigated using high-density iron-silicon (FeSi) particles with a particle density of 6690kg/m3. The addition of fines decreased the bubble size, dense phase voidage and reactor performance. The bubble size decrease is in accordance with reported literature; while, increase in dense phase voidage and reactor performance was found in the literature on less dense catalyst. The reactor performance was quantified using an apparent overall mass transfer parameter derived from fitting a two-phase model to the experimental data. The method allowed for reactor performance comparison despite the fluctuation in FeSi particle activity. Model fitting results suggest that smaller bubbles should improve mass transfer in addition to reactor performance. However, the decreased dense phase voidage with addition of fines counteracted the effects of smaller bubbles. Higher entrainment rate of the bed with fines was noted. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Fines; High-density particles; Ozone decomposition reaction; Reactor performance; Voidage distributions | Entrainment rates; Experimental datum; Fines; Gas-solid fluidized bed; Mass transfer parameters; Ozone decomposition reactions; Reactor performance; Voidage; Fluidized beds; Mass transfer; Ozone; Fluidization; ozone; article; chemical reaction; decomposition; density; environmental temperature; flowmeter; fluidization; fluidized bed reactor; hydrodynamics; oxidation; particle size; performance; porosity; viscosity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876405182 | Modeling used engine oil impact on the compaction and strength characteristics of a lateritic soil | Ojuri O.O., Ogundipe O.O. | 2012 | Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering | None | None | None | Department of Civil Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | Ojuri, O.O., Department of Civil Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Ogundipe, O.O., Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria | This study entails simulating an oil contaminated site by mixing predetermined amounts of used engine oil with lateritic soil samples collected in Akure, south-western Nigeria. Geotechnical testing performed on the studied soils include basic index property tests, compaction tests and strength tests. Soil samples collected from the surrounding of the Engineering Workshop (Machine Shop) building in the Federal University of Technology, Akure were mixed with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% of used engine oil by dried weight of the soil. The oil contaminated soils indicated lower Maximum Dry Density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) compared to the uncontaminated soil. Regression models for the estimation of compaction and strength characteristics for this type of ferrallitic lateritic soils were established. © 2012 ejge. | Ferrallitic laterite; Land pollution; Regression models; Soil bearing capacity; Waste oil | Ferrallitic laterite; Land pollution; Regression model; Soil bearing capacity; Waste oil; Compaction; Compressive strength; Lubricating oils; Machine shops; Regression analysis; Soil pollution; Soil surveys; Soils; Soil testing; bearing capacity; compaction; compressive strength; dry density; laterite; modeling; moisture content; numerical model; oil pollution; regression analysis; soil pollution; soil strength; soil test; Akure; Nigeria; Ondo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84855816780 | Hydrocarbon potential of Cretaceous sediments in the Lower and Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria: Insights from new source rock facies evaluation | Akande S.O., Egenhoff S.O., Obaje N.G., Ojo O.J., Adekeye O.A., Erdtmann B.D. | 2012 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 64 | None | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2011.11.008 | Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of GeoSciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Department of Geology and Mining, Nassarawa State University, Keffi, | Akande, S.O., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Egenhoff, S.O., Department of GeoSciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States; Obaje, N.G., Department of Geology and Mining, Nassarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria; Ojo, O.J., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Adekeye, O.A., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Erdtmann, B.D., Institut fur Geologie und Palaontologie, Technische Universitat Berlin, Sekr. ACK 14, Ackerstrasse 71-76, D-13355 Berlin, Germany | The Nigerian Benue Trough is an intracratonic rift structure which evolution is related to the Early Cretaceous opening of the South Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea. Previous hydrocarbon potential assessments of the successions in the trough revealed a number of organic rich intervals capable of yielding significant quantities of hydrocarbons in the Cretaceous sections. Stratigraphic continuity of these intervals suggests their potentials for hydrocarbons if thermally mature and both oil and gas can be generated.The present study have expanded on some previously reported source rock data of the Cretaceous formations in the Benue Trough by detailed mapping of the stratigraphic intervals with source rock potentials on the basis of their structural setting, lithologic characteristics, and depositional environments. Further characterization of the organic matter within the Cenomanian to Coniacian on one hand and the Campanian to Maastrichtian intervals were carried out to determine the geochemical character of the organic rich zones, their maturity and effectiveness to generate and expel hydrocarbons.In the Lower Benue Trough, mature facies of the Cenomanian to Turonian Eze-Aku Formation with a predominance of Types II and III kerogen, the Turonian to Coniacian Type III dominated Awgu Formation and the Type III dominated Lower Maastrichtian sub-bituminous coals of the Mamu Formation have proven potentials as oil and gas source rocks. In the Middle Benue Basin, the preserved mature intervals of the Awgu Formation shales and coals are good gas source rocks with some oil prone units in view of the predominating Type III kerogen. Targets for hydrocarbons generated by these source rock intervals should focus on the non-emergent Cretaceous reservoirs within the pre-Santonian successions whereas, the mature equivalents of the sub-bituminous coal facies would generate and charge both Upper Cretaceous reservoirs and possibly the sub-Niger Delta successions in the sub-surface. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Benue Trough; Organic geochemistry; Petroleum; Source rocks; Stratigraphy | Campanian; Cenomanian; Coniacian; Cretaceous; hydrocarbon exploration; hydrocarbon generation; hydrocarbon reservoir; Maastrichtian; petroleum; quantitative analysis; source rock; Atlantic Ocean; Atlantic Ocean (South); Gulf of Guinea; Coniacian; Cyanea angustifolia; Katsuwonus pelamis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84949134309 | Effects of aqueous extract of talinum triangulÄre (Leaves): Evaluation of enzymes activities in tissue homogenates of albino rats | Afolabi O.B., Oloyede O.I. | 2014 | Pharmacologyonline | 3 | None | None | Department of ChemicalScience, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, P.M.B 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department ofBiochemistry, Ekiti State University, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Afolabi, O.B., Department of ChemicalScience, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, P.M.B 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Oloyede, O.I., Department ofBiochemistry, Ekiti State University, P.M.B 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | The effect of water extract of Talinum triangulare was investigated on the activities of enzymes such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in the serum and tissue homogenates of an adult albino rats along with the serum total protein. The rats were randomly distributed into four treatment groups A-D; with groups B to D administered with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weights orally and the control group A with water orally respectively. The aqueous extract was prepared using the air-dried leaves parts of the plant following a standardized method with the final yield been considered. The serum total protein (g/dl) was significantly different (p<0.05) relatively compared to control group. In the same vein, statistical data of the activities (u/l) of the enzymes was significantly different (P<0.05) in aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) when compared to control groups but significant different (p>0.05) in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared to the control group. © 2015, SILAE (Italo-Latin American Society of Ethnomedicine). All rights reserved. | Alanine aminotransaminase; Alkaline phosphatase; Aspartate aminotransaminase; Phytochemicals | alanine aminotransferase; alkaline phosphatase; aspartate aminotransferase; liver protective agent; plant extract; Talinum triangulare extract; unclassified drug; adult; alanine aminotransferase blood level; alkaline phosphatase blood level; animal experiment; animal tissue; Article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; controlled study; dose response; drug dose comparison; drug effect; drug mechanism; enzyme activity; medicinal plant; nonhuman; plant leaf; protein blood level; rat; Talinum triangulare; tissue homogenate; tissue level | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84872125731 | Impact of nitrogen fertilizer applications on surface water nitrate levels within a Kenyan tea plantation | Maghanga J.K., Kituyi J.L., Kisinyo P.O., Ng'Etich W.K. | 2013 | Journal of Chemistry | None | None | 10.1155/2013/196516 | Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Department of Soil Science, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya | Maghanga, J.K., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Pwani University College, P.O. Box 195, Kilifi 80108, Kenya; Kituyi, J.L., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Kisinyo, P.O., Department of Soil Science, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya; Ng'Etich, W.K., Department of Soil Science, Chepkoilel University College, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret 30100, Kenya | Tea production in the Kenyan Rift Valley uses high rates of nitrogenous fertilizer. Nitrates can be discharged to water bodies through leaching and surface run-off. Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L NO3 - N cause methemoglobinemia which is fatal. A study to monitor changes in surface water nitrate levels was carried out in ten rivers within a Kenyan tea plantation for three years. Water samples were obtained before and after fertilizer application in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 - N) was determined colorimetrically by the cadmium reduction method using HACH-DR 2400 dataloging spectrophotometer. For the three years, the highest nitrate-nitrogen levels were in river Temochewa in 2005 during the first fertilizer applications (4.9 mg/L to 8.2 mg/L). There was no established trend between surface water nitrate levels and the time of fertilizer applications; however, fertilizer application contributed to an increase in nitrate levels. The initial nitrate-nitrogen levels in most of the rivers were high, indicating that contamination could have been upstream; hence, further research is required to establish this. Nitrogen-nitrogen levels in the three years were below the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L NO3 - N; however, the rivers should be monitored frequently. © 2013 J. K. Maghanga et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875499176 | Comprehensive high temperature two-dimensional liquid chromatography combined with high temperature gradient chromatography-infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of impact polypropylene copolymers | Cheruthazhekatt S., Harding G.W., Pasch H. | 2013 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1286 | None | 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.02.052 | Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Sasol Polymers, Midland Factory, Bergius Street, Sasolburg 321, South Africa | Cheruthazhekatt, S., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa; Harding, G.W., Sasol Polymers, Midland Factory, Bergius Street, Sasolburg 321, South Africa; Pasch, H., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, 7602 Matieland, South Africa | Impact polypropylene copolymers (IPC) are extremely complex materials that can only be effectively analysed by multidimensional analytical approaches. IPC consists of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as the major phase, ethylene-propylene (EP) copolymers of various compositions and small amounts of polyethylene. The molecular heterogeneity of two IPC samples having different ethylene contents was studied by using a novel cross-fractionation technique, developed from a combination of various analytical separation methods into an effective characterisation tool for complex polyolefins. The initial step involves the fractionation of the sample into EP rubber, EP segmented copolymer, and iPP, by preparative temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF). The resulting fractions are still distributed with regards to chemical composition and molar mass. The separation with respect to these parameters is conducted by comprehensive HT 2D-LC. This is the first time that the individual components in all TREF fractions of an IPC are separated and analysed mutidimensionally, by both SEC-FTIR, high-temperature (HT) HPLC-FTIR, and HT 2D-LC. Molar mass analysis of the chemically homogeneous fractions from HT HPLC is accomplished by HT SEC in the second dimension of HT 2D-LC. The chemical composition of all species is determined by coupling FTIR spectroscopy to HT HPLC via an LC-transform interface. This novel approach reveals the capability of this hyphenated technique to determine the exact chemical composition of the individual components in the complex TREF fractions of IPCs. The HT HPLC-FTIR results confirm the separation mechanism in the given chromatographic system using a 1-decanol to TCB solvent gradient and a Hypercarb stationary phase. The components of differing chemical composition are separated according to the nature and length of the propylene/ethylene segments, with their arrangement in the chains strongly affecting their adsorption/desorption on the stationary phase. FTIR analysis provides information on the ethylene and propylene contents of the fractions as well as on the ethylene and propylene crystallinities. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | High temperature two-dimensional chromatography (HT 2D-LC); HPLC-FTIR analysis; Impact polypropylene copolymer; TREF, HT-HPLC | High temperature gradient; HPLC-FTIR; Impact polypropylene copolymer; Isotactic poly(propylene) (iPP); Temperature-rising elution; TREF, HT-HPLC; Two-dimensional chromatography; Two-dimensional liquid chromatography; Copolymers; Ethylene; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Fractionation; Liquid chromatography; Propylene; Two dimensional; Polypropylenes; copolymer; decanol; ethylene; ethylene propylene; polyethylene; polyolefin; polypropylene; rubber; solvent; unclassified drug; adsorption; article; chemical composition; chemical parameters; chemical procedures; desorption; high performance liquid chromatography; high temperature gradient chromatography infrared spectroscopy; high temperature two dimensional liquid chromatography; infrared spectroscopy; liquid chromatography; molecular weight; priority journal; temperature rising elution fractionation; Chromatography, Gel; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Ethylenes; Hot Temperature; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Polypropylenes; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929179810 | Evaluation of six sample preparation methods for determination of trace metals in lubricating oils using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry | Tekie H.A., McCrindle R.I., Marais P.J.J.G., Ambushe A.A. | 2015 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 68 | None | 10.17159/0379-4350/2015/v68a12 | Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, P.O Box 56208, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Tekie, H.A., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, P.O Box 56208, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; McCrindle, R.I., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, P.O Box 56208, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Marais, P.J.J.G., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, P.O Box 56208, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa; Ambushe, A.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, South Africa | Quantification of trace elements in used lubricating oil forms a vital part in monitoring engine conditions and impact on the environment. In this study, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was employed for the determination of Ag, Ba, Cu, Mn and Ni in used lubricating oils. Methodology was developed so as to minimize the oil's carbonaceous matter and its effect on viscosity. Accordingly, six oil sample preparation techniques (xylene dilution, detergent emulsion, microwave digestion, dry-ashing, wet-ashing and ultrasonic extraction) were investigated for their efficiency. Optimization of the factors influencing ultrasonic-assisted extraction and ICP-OES operating parameters enabled quantification of the trace metals in oils. Limits of detection (3S<inf>b</inf>/m), in the ng g-1 range, were obtained for each element of interest using each method investigated. The validity of the methodologies studied was confirmed through the analysis of quality control (QC) samples. Analyte recoveries, ranging from 48.3 to 106%, were obtained. Evaluation of the analytical methods studied with regard to accuracy, precision, LOD, linearity, applicability for routine analysis, preparation time and cost was made. Based on these evaluations, ultrasonic extraction has a clear advantage in terms of accuracy, applicability for routine analysis, time and cost of sample preparation. ©2015 South African Chemical Institute. | ICP-OES; Lubricating oil; Optimization | None | NRF, Neurosurgical Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84909578962 | Determination of triclosan and ketoprofen in river water and wastewater by solid phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography | Madikizela L.M., Muthwa S.F., Chimuka L. | 2014 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 67 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa; School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa | Madikizela, L.M., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa, School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa; Muthwa, S.F., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban, South Africa; Chimuka, L., School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, South Africa | This paper describes a simple, sensitive and rapid method for the determination of triclosan and ketoprofen in wastewater influent, effluent and river water. The method involves solid phase extraction (SPE) of target compounds using Oasis HLB sorbent. Several extraction parameters such as sample pH, sample volume, SPE cartridge and SPE elution solvent were optimized. The pH of the collected samples was adjusted to 5.5, and then 100 mL of the sample was loaded into an Oasis HLB cartridge. Methanol was used to elute the retained compounds. The eluted compounds were analyzed using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detection (HPLC-PDA). The method was validated by spiking ultra-pure water and wastewater with different concentrations of both compounds ranging from 5 μg L-1 to 1000 μg L-1. Recoveries were in the range of 73%to 104 %, and%RSD ranged from8%to 15%. The method gave good detection limits of 0.01 and 0.08 μg L-1 for triclosan and ketoprofen, respectively. Traces of both compounds were detected in all wastewater (influent and effluent) samples at a range of 1.2 to 9.0 μg L-1 and in some river water samples. | High performance liquid chromatography; Ketoprofen; Solid phase extraction; Triclosan; Wastewater treatment plants | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874159362 | Azide-alkyne cycloaddition en route to 1H-1,2,3-triazole-tethered 7-chloroquinoline-isatin chimeras: Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation | Raj R., Singh P., Singh P., Gut J., Rosenthal P.J., Kumar V. | 2013 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 62 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.01.032 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Raj, R., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Gut, J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India | We describe the synthesis and antimalarial activities of 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered 7-chloroquinoline-isatin hybrids. Activity against cultured parasites was dependent on the C-5 substituent of the isatin ring as well as the alkyl chain length between the isatin and 7-chloroquinoline moieties. Compound 8h, with an optimum alkyl chain length (n = 3) and a chloro substituent at the C-5 position of the isatin ring, displayed the best activity among the test compounds, with IC50 value of 1.21 μM against cultured W2-strain Plasmodium falciparum. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | 1H-1,2,3-triazole; 7-Chloroquinoline-isatin conjugates; Antimalarial evaluation; Structure-activity relationship | 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3] triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl} 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3] triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 fluoro 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 5 methyl 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 bromo1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 (7 chloro quinolin 4 yl) 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; 5 chloro 1 [1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino)propyl] 1h [1,2,3]triazol 4 ylmethyl] 1h indole 2,3 dione; alkyne derivative; antimalarial agent; azide; unclassified drug; antimalarial activity; article; chimera; cycloaddition; IC 50; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; Alkynes; Aminoquinolines; Antimalarials; Azides; Cyclization; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Isatin; Molecular Structure; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Plasmodium falciparum; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84869142384 | β-Lactam synthon-interceded diastereoselective synthesis of functionalized octahydroindole-based molecular scaffolds and their in vitro cytotoxic evaluation | Singh P., Raj R., Bhargava G., Hendricks D.T., Handa S., Slaughter L.M., Kumar V. | 2012 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 58 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.10.049 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Department of Chemistry, Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala 144601, India; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States | Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Raj, R., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India; Bhargava, G., Department of Chemistry, Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala 144601, India; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Handa, S., Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States; Slaughter, L.M., Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India | A convenient and unprecedented synthesis of functionally enriched octahydroindole-based scaffolds has been developed via inter- and intra-molecular amidolysis of C-3 functionalized β-lactams. The cytotoxic evaluation on oesophageal cancer cell line WHCO1 has revealed 7d as the most potent of the test compounds exhibiting an IC50 value of 12.97 μM. The developed strategy further assumes significance as it entails the preparation of highly functionalized indoles without the aid of transition metal catalysis or pre-functionalization of substrates. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | β-Lactam synthon protocol; Cytotoxicity; Diastereoselectivity; Iodocyclization; Octahydroindoles | 1 ( 4 chlorophenyl) 7 iodo 2 ( 4 methoxyphenyl)octahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 1 ( 4 chlorophenyl) 7 iodo 2 phenyloctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 1,2 bis( 4 chlorophenyl) 7 iodooctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 2 ( 4 chlorophenyl) 7 iodo 1 phenyloctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 7 iodo 1,2 diphenyloctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 7 iodo 2 ( 4 methoxyphenyl) 1 phenyloctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 7 iodo 2 ( 4 methoxyphenyl) 1,4 tolyloctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; 7 iodo 2 phenyl 1,4 tolyloctahydroindole 3,4 dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester; antineoplastic agent; beta lactam derivative; indole derivative; metal; molecular scaffold; octahydroindole; octahydropyrrolo[4,3,2 de]isoquinoline 3,5 dione; synthon; unclassified drug; antineoplastic activity; article; cancer cell culture; catalysis; controlled study; cytotoxicity; diastereoisomer; drug potency; esophagus cancer; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; one pot synthesis; phase transition; stereochemistry; Antineoplastic Agents; beta-Lactams; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Crystallography, X-Ray; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Indoles; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Stereoisomerism; Structure-Activity Relationship | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888154310 | Urea/oxalamide tethered β-lactam-7-chloroquinoline conjugates: Synthesis and in vitro antimalarial evaluation | Singh P., Raj R., Singh P., Gut J., Rosenthal P.J., Kumar V. | 2014 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 71 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.10.079 | Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India; Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States | Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India; Raj, R., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India; Singh, P., Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa; Gut, J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Kumar, V., Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, Punjab, India | The manuscript pertains to the synthesis of urea/oxalamide tethered β-lactam-7-chloroquinoline conjugates with well modulated chain lengths and their antimalarial evaluation. The results reveal the dependence of activity profiles on the N-1 substituent of the β-lactam ring, the nature of the linker as well as the length of the alkyl chain. The most potent of the tested compounds showed an IC50 of 34.97 nM against chloroquine resistant W2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Antimalarial evaluation; beta;-Lactam-7-chloroquinoline conjugates; Structure-activity relationship; Urea/oxalamide linker | (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) carbamic acid ethyl ester; (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) carbamic acid ethyl ester; 1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [6 ( 7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; artemisinin; bleomycin; chloroquine; deethylamodiaquine; doxorubicin; n (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamic acid ethyl ester; n (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamic acid ethyl ester; n [1 (4 chloro phenyl) 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl] n' [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] oxalamide; n [1 (4 chloro phenyl) 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl] oxalamic acid ethyl ester; n [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl oxalamide; n [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] n' (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; n [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4-styry azetidin 3 oxalimide; n [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetiidn 3 oxalamide; n [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 oxalamide; n[1 (4 chloro phenyl) 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl] n' [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] oxalamide; n[3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] n' (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 p tolyl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; quinine; quinoline derivative; unclassified drug; urea derivative; (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) carbamic acid ethyl ester; (2 oxo 4) styryl 1 4 tolyl azetidin 3 yl) carbamic acid ethyl ester; 1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] 3 (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) urea; 1 [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] 3 (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 azetidin 3 yl) urea; antimalarial agent; artemisinin; beta lactam 7 chloroquinoline derivative; chloroquine; deethylamodiaquine; n (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamic acid ethyl ester; n (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 tolyl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamic acid ethyl ester; n [1 (4 chloro phenyl) 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl] n' [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] oxalamide; n [1 (4 chloro phenyl) 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl] n' [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] oxalamide; n [1 (4 chloro phenyl) 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl] oxalamic acid ethyl ester; n [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; n [2 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) ethyl] n' (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 tolyl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; n [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; n [3 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) propyl] n' (2 oxo 4 styryl 1 4 tolyl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; n [4 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) butyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; n [6 (7 chloro quinolin 4 ylamino) hexyl] n' (1 cyclohexyl 2 oxo 4 styryl azetidin 3 yl) oxalamide; oxalamide; quinine; urea; antimalarial activity; article; controlled study; drug conjugation; drug synthesis; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; melting point; Plasmodium falciparum; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; thin layer chromatography; antimalarial drug resistance; Article; cytotoxicity; female; HeLa cell line; hydrogen bond; IC50; nonhuman; Antimalarial evaluation; Structure-activity relationship; Urea/oxalamide linker; β-Lactam-7-chloroquinoline conjugates; Antimalarials; beta-Lactams; Chloroquine; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Oxamic Acid; Plasmodium falciparum; Structure-Activity Relationship; Urea | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053525511 | Biochemical evaluation of fermented white maize (Zea mays L.) blended with scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) flour | Aremu M.O., Olaofe O., Audu S.S., Ijalana D.M. | 2011 | Open Nutraceuticals Journal | 4 | None | 10.2174/1876396001104010163 | Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria | Aremu, M.O., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Olaofe, O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Audu, S.S., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria; Ijalana, D.M., Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, PMB 1022, Keffi, Nigeria | Fermented maize product, ogi, is a popular weaning and breakfast cereal in west coasts of Africa. In the study proximate, mineral and amino acid compositions of ogi from a composite mixture of white maize (Zea mays L.) and scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) flours were evaluated using standard processing techniques. Maize ogi was substituted with scarlet runner bean flour at ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 maize: scarlet runner bean; with 100% maize ogi flour as control. The results showed that protein, ash and crude fibre contents increased progressively with increased scarlet runner bean flour substitution, reaching 192.0%, 187.5% and 170.0% dry weight, respectively at 60:40 ratio. The macro minerals such as Mg, Na and P also recorded increase in concentrations in the fortified products. Harmful heavy metals like Pb and Cd were below detection limit of the AAS. The total essential amino acids (TEAA) ranged from 20.37 - 27.59 g/100g crude protein or from 41.40 - 43.10% of the total amino acid while the limiting amino acid (LAA) was Met + Cys. It was also found that fortified samples had progressive increase in the concentration levels of total amino acid (TAA), total essential amino acid (TEAA), essential aromatic amino acid (EArAA) and total sulphur amino acid (TSAA). Generally, the present study indicates that at < 40% scarlet runner bean seed substitution of the ogi mass, the quality attributes of ogi can be maintained, with higher nutrient content. © Aremu et al. | Maize ogi; Nutritional quality; Scarlet runner bean | alanine; arginine; aspartic acid; cadmium; cysteine; glutamic acid; glycine; histidine; isoleucine; lead; leucine; lysine; magnesium; methionine; phenylalanine; phosphorus; proline; serine; sodium; threonine; tyrosine; valine; vegetable protein; amino acid analysis; article; ash; bean; cereal; controlled study; dry weight; flour; maize; nonhuman; ogi; phaseolus coccineus; plant fiber; priority journal; processing; Phaseolus coccineus; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899447485 | Comparative capacity performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of commercial AA alkaline primary cells | Ferg E.E., Van Vuuren F. | 2014 | Electrochimica Acta | 128 | None | 10.1016/j.electacta.2013.08.110 | Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ferg, E.E., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa; Van Vuuren, F., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Alkaline primary cells are a relatively inexpensive source of portable power and there is still a significant demand for them due to their lower retail costs, good shelf life and good energy densities. There is a range of imported and local brands available in South Africa that can differ in terms of their cost to the consumer and their performance. The study being reported here compared a range of seven different AA alkaline brands in terms of price and performance by discharging them using three different standard tests, namely at constant 250 mA current, motor/toy and photo-flash respectively. The study also used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to observe differences between the different cell brands at different stages of discharge during the different discharge test sequences. The results showed that all cell brands achieved similar discharge capacities for the low-power discharge test of around 1.7 Ah at a constant current of 250 mA with significant differences in their respective purchase prices. However, significantly better discharge capacities of around 1.4 Ah were achieved for the more expensive brands for the photo-flash test when compared to the cheaper brand, where only 0.4 Ah was achieved. Hence, one can get value for money by using cheaper brand cells for typical low-power applications such as digital clocks, while the more expensive brands are recommended for high-power applications. The results of the EIS analysis showed that the internal cell resistance of the cheaper branded cells was relatively higher when compared to the more expensive branded cells. The change in the cheaper cells' internal resistance was also comparatively higher when measured during the various stages of the discharge tests, especially during the photo-flash test. The EIS analysis also showed that certain new cells displayed an unusually high electrode capacitance and resistance when compared to the other cell types. This phenomenon then disappeared once the cells were slightly discharged to 1% of their respective capacities. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | AA alkaline cells, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Capacity performance | Costs; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Spectroscopy; Capacity performance; Constant current; Discharge capacities; Electrode capacitance; High power applications; Internal cell resistance; Internal resistance; Low power application; Testing | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84898646059 | Design, fabrication and evaluation of intelligent sulfone-selective polybenzimidazole nanofibers | Ogunlaja A.S., Sautoy C.D., Torto N., Tshentu Z.R. | 2014 | Talanta | 126 | None | 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.03.035 | Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Analytical Technology, Sasol Technology (Pty) Limited, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Ogunlaja, A.S., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Sautoy, C.D., Analytical Technology, Sasol Technology (Pty) Limited, P.O. Box 1, Sasolburg 1947, South Africa; Torto, N., Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Tshentu, Z.R., Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 77000, Port-Elizabeth 6031, South Africa | Molecularly imprinted polybenzimidazole nanofibers fabricated for the adsorption of oxidized organosulfur compounds are presented. The imprinted polymers exhibited better selectivity for their target model sulfone-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 28.5±0.4 mg g-1, 29.8±2.2 mg g-1 and 20.1±1.4 mg g-1 observed for benzothiophene sulfone (BTO2), dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO2) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene sulfone (4,6-DMDBTO 2) respectively. Molecular modeling based upon the density functional theory (DFT) indicated that hydrogen bond interactions may take place between sulfone oxygen groups with NH groups of the PBI. Further DFT also confirmed the feasibility of π-π interactions between the benzimidazole rings and the aromatic sulfone compounds. The adsorption mode followed the Freundlich (multi-layered) adsorption isotherm which indicated possible sulfone-sulfone interactions. A home-made pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) system was employed for the extraction/desorption of sulfone compounds within imprinted nanofibers at 1 mL min-1, 150 °C and 30 bar. PHWE used a green solvent (water) and achieved better extraction yields compared to the Soxhlet extraction process. The application of molecularly imprinted polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofibers displayed excellent sulfur removal, with sulfur in fuel after adsorption falling below the determined limit of detection (LOD), which is 2.4 mg L-1 S, and with a sulfur adsorption capacity of 5.3±0.4 mg g-1 observed for application in the fuel matrix. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Desulfurization; Molecularly imprinted polymers; Nanofibers; Organosulfur compounds; Polybenzimidazole | Adsorption; Design for testability; Desulfurization; Extraction; Hydrogen bonds; Polymers; Sulfur; Sulfur compounds; 4 ,6-Dimethyl-dibenzothiophene; Adsorption capacities; Hydrogen bond interaction; Molecularly imprinted; Molecularly Imprinted Polymer; Organosulfur compounds; Polybenzimidazole; Pressurized hot water extraction; Nanofibers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897498406 | Composite nanofibers prepared from metallic iron nanoparticles and polyaniline: High performance for water treatment applications | Bhaumik M., Choi H.J., McCrindle R.I., Maity A. | 2014 | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science | 425 | None | 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.03.031 | Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 402-751, South Korea; Smart Polymers Group, Polymers and Composites, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Bhaumik, M., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Choi, H.J., Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 402-751, South Korea; McCrindle, R.I., Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa; Maity, A., Smart Polymers Group, Polymers and Composites, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering, University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa | Presented here is a simple preparation of metallic iron nanoparticles, supported on polyaniline nanofibers at room temperature. The preparation is based on polymerization of interconnected nanofibers by rapid mixing of the aniline monomer with Fe(III) chloride as the oxidant, followed by reductive deposition of Fe0 nanoparticles, using the polymerization by-products as the Fe precursor. The morphology and other physico-chemical properties of the resulting composite were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating-sample magnetometry. The composite fibers were 80-150nm in diameter and exhibited the expected ferromagnetic behavior. The composite rapidly and efficiently removed As(V), Cr(VI), and also Congo red dye, from aqueous solutions suggesting their usefulness for removal of toxic materials from wastewater. The composite fibers have high capacity for toxin removal: 42.37mg/g of As(V), 434.78mg/g of Cr(VI), and 243.9mg/g of Congo red. The fibers are easily recovered from fluids by exploiting their ferromagnetic properties. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. | Adsorption; Arsenic(V); Chromium(VI); Composites; Congo red; Isotherm; Kinetics; Nanofibers; Polyaniline | Adsorption; Azo dyes; Chlorine compounds; Chromium compounds; Composite materials; Enzyme kinetics; Ferromagnetic materials; Ferromagnetism; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Isotherms; Nanoparticles; Photoelectrons; Polyaniline; Polymerization; Toxic materials; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Arsenic (v); Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method; Congo red; Ferromagnetic behaviors; Ferromagnetic properties; Physicochemical property; Scanning and transmission electron microscopy; Vibrating sample magnetometry; Nanofibers; aniline; arsenic; chromium; congo red; ferrous chloride; iron; monomer; nanofiber; nanoparticle; oxygen; polyaniline; adsorption; aqueous solution; article; decolorization; infrared spectroscopy; isoelectric point; magnetometry; moisture; oxidation; pH; physical chemistry; polymerization; priority journal; reaction time; room temperature; scanning electron microscopy; surface property; transmission electron microscopy; water treatment; X ray diffraction; X ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Adsorption; Azo Compounds; Chlorine Compounds; Chromium Compounds; Dyes; Fourier Analysis; Infrared Spectroscopy; Isotherms; Magnetic Materials; Photoelectrons; Polymerization; Transmission Electron Microscopy; X Ray Diffraction | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928125511 | Global occurrence of anti-infectives in contaminated surface waters: Impact of income inequality between countries | Segura P.A., Takada H., Correa J.A., El Saadi K., Koike T., Onwona-Agyeman S., Ofosu-Anim J., Sabi E.B., Wasonga O.V., Mghalu J.M., dos Santos A.M., Newman B., Weerts S., Yargeau V. | 2015 | Environment International | 80 | None | 10.1016/j.envint.2015.04.001 | Department of Chemistry, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada; Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, McGill University, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Canada; School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, Ghana; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana; Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University College, Kenya; Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering, Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique; Coastal Systems Research Group, Ecosystem Services Competence Area, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa | Segura, P.A., Department of Chemistry, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada; Takada, H., Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan; Correa, J.A., Department of Mathematics and Statistics, McGill University, Canada; El Saadi, K., Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Canada; Koike, T., Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan; Onwona-Agyeman, S., Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Japan; Ofosu-Anim, J., School of Agriculture, University of Ghana, Ghana; Sabi, E.B., School of Engineering Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana; Wasonga, O.V., Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Mghalu, J.M., Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University College, Kenya; dos Santos, A.M., Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering, Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique; Newman, B., Coastal Systems Research Group, Ecosystem Services Competence Area, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa; Weerts, S., Coastal Systems Research Group, Ecosystem Services Competence Area, Natural Resources and the Environment, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa; Yargeau, V., Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Canada | The presence anti-infectives in environmental waters is of interest because of their potential role in the dissemination of anti-infective resistance in bacteria and other harmful effects on non-target species such as algae and shellfish. Since no information on global trends regarding the contamination caused by these bioactive substances is yet available, we decided to investigate the impact of income inequality between countries on the occurrence of anti-infectives in surface waters. In order to perform such study, we gathered concentration values reported in the peer-reviewed literature between 1998 and 2014 and built a database. To fill the gap of knowledge on occurrence of anti-infectives in African countries, we also collected 61 surface water samples from Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, and measured concentrations of 19 anti-infectives. A mixed one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model, followed by Turkey-Kramer post hoc tests was used to identify potential differences in anti-infective occurrence between countries grouped by income level (high, upper-middle and lower-middle and low income) according to the classification by the World Bank. Comparison of occurrence of anti-infectives according to income level revealed that concentrations of these substances in contaminated surface waters were significantly higher in low and lower-middle income countries (. p=. 0.0001) but not in upper-middle income countries (. p=. 0.0515) compared to high-income countries. We explained these results as the consequence of the absence of or limited sewage treatment performed in lower income countries. Furthermore, comparison of concentrations of low cost anti-infectives (sulfonamides and trimethoprim) and the more expensive macrolides between income groups suggest that the cost of these substances may have an impact on their environmental occurrence in lower income countries. Since wastewaters are the most important source of contamination of anti-infectives and other contaminants of emerging concern in the environment, it is expected that deleterious effects to the aquatic biota caused by these substances will be more pronounced in countries with inadequate wastewater and collection infrastructure. With the information currently available, we could not evaluate either the role of the receiving environment or the importance of regulatory frameworks on the occurrence of anti-infectives in surface waters. Future studies should focus on these two factors in order to better evaluate risks to aquatic ecosystems in LM & LICs. We propose that CECs such as anti-infectives could be used as a new class of environmental degradation indicators that could be helpful to assess the state of development of wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure around the world. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Antibiotics; Developing countries; Macrolides; Occurrence; Quinolones; Rivers; Sulfonamides; Tetracyclines; Trimethoprim | Amides; Antibiotics; Aquatic ecosystems; Contamination; Developing countries; Metabolites; Regression analysis; Rivers; Sewage treatment; Sulfur compounds; Wastewater treatment; Macrolides; Occurrence; Quinolones; Sulfonamides; Tetracyclines; Trimethoprim; Surface waters; antiinfective agent; azithromycin; chlortetracycline; clarithromycin; dehydroerythromycin; diaminopyrimidine; doxycycline; lincomycin; macrolide; minocycline; oxytetracycline; roxithromycin; sulfadimethoxine; sulfadimidine; sulfamerazine; sulfamethizole; sulfamethoxazole; sulfapyridine; sulfathiazole; surface water; trimethoprim; tylosin; unclassified drug; antiinfective agent; fresh water; waste water; water pollutant; antibiotics; developing world; environmental degradation; income distribution; regulatory framework; surface water; water pollution; aquatic environment; Article; concentration (parameters); drug cost; environmental exposure; environmental impact; Ghana; Kenya; lowest income group; Mozambique; priority journal; sewage treatment; socioeconomics; South Africa; waste water; water analysis; water contamination; analysis; biota; chemistry; economics; ecosystem; environmental monitoring; income; procedures; social status; Turkey; water pollutant; Ghana; Kenya; Mozambique; South Africa; algae; Anti-Infective Agents; Biota; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Fresh Water; Ghana; Income; Mozambique; Social Conditions; South Africa; Turkey; Waste Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical | None |
| None | None | Spatial monitoring of organohalogen compounds in surface water and sediments of a rural-urban river basin in Tanzania | Hellar-Kihampa H., De Wael K., Lugwisha E., Malarvannan G., Covaci A., Van Grieken R. | 2013 | Science of the Total Environment | 447 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.12.083 | Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; Institute of Continuing Education, The Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Chemistry, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium | Hellar-Kihampa, H., Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium, Institute of Continuing Education, The Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; De Wael, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; Lugwisha, E., Department of Chemistry, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Malarvannan, G., Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; Covaci, A., Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; Van Grieken, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium | The presence of persistent organic pollutants in Tanzanian environment is not well monitored despite the existing pollution potential from a number of sources. In this study, we investigated for the first time, the concentration profiles of different organohalogen compounds such as organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in environmental samples (water and sediments) from the Pangani river basin (PRB). The PRB is one of the largest drainage basins in Tanzania, with its watershed exposed to multiple input sources of trace organic contaminants. Surface water and sediments were sampled from 12 representative stations of diverse characteristics and land-use practices, in three distinct seasons, and extracted by liquid-liquid and Soxhlet extraction methods, respectively. Water samples were analyzed by GC-ECD for OCPs only, while sediment samples were analyzed for OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs by GC/MS. Seven compounds, dominated by HCH isomers (510-4460. pg/L) and DDT analogs (160-1460. pg/L),were detected in the water samples. These concentrations are far below the WHO guidelines for drinking water quality. A total of 42 compounds (8 OCPs, 28 PCB congeners and 6 PBDE congeners) were detected in the sediment samples. Their respective total concentration ranges were 245-10,230; 357-11,000 and 38-2175. pg/g dry weight. The spatial distribution patterns and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis reflected the impact of historical agricultural usage in sugarcane plantations (OCPs), and urbanization (PCBs and PBDEs). Risk assessment using sediment quality guidelines indicated no ecotoxicological risks. The results we have found provide preliminary data on levels of the organic contaminants in Pangani river basin as a new insight on the environmental quality of the area. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Organochlorine pesticides; Pangani river basin; Polybrominated diphenyl ethers; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Tanzania; Water and sediment quality | Organochlorine pesticides; Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs); River basins; Sediment quality; Tanzania; Chromatographic analysis; Cluster analysis; Hierarchical systems; Isomers; Pesticides; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Risk assessment; Sedimentology; Sediments; Surface waters; Watersheds; Organic pollutants; chlorphenotane; drinking water; organochlorine pesticide; organohalogen derivative; polybrominated diphenyl ether; polychlorinated biphenyl; surface water; cluster analysis; drinking water; ecotoxicology; environmental monitoring; environmental quality; organic pollutant; organohalogen; PBDE; PCB; river basin; sediment; spatial analysis; spatial distribution; surface water; water quality; article; cluster analysis; controlled study; ecotoxicology; gas chromatography; isomer; land use; liquid liquid extraction; mass fragmentography; plantation; priority journal; risk assessment; river basin; rural area; seasonal variation; sediment; Soxhlet extraction; Tanzania; urban area; urbanization; water pollutant; water quality; water sampling; watershed; Cluster Analysis; Environmental Monitoring; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hydrocarbons, Halogenated; Pesticide Residues; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rivers; Tanzania; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Quality; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876193680 | Synthesis, characterization and antiplasmodial evaluation of cyclopalladated thiosemicarbazone complexes | Adams M., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2013 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 736 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2013.02.024 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Adams, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Cyclopalladated thiosemicarbazone complexes arising through chelation of the tridentate thiosemicarbazone ligand via the ortho-carbon of the aryl ring, the imine nitrogen and the thiolate sulfur were synthesized with the phosphorus ligand occupying the fourth coordination site of the palladium(II) ion. These complexes were prepared by cleavage of the bridging Pd-S bonds of previously reported tetranuclear complexes with phosphorus ligands such as PTA and aminophosphines. The cyclopalladated complexes along with their free ligands were screened for antiplasmodial activity against two Plasmodium falciparum strains, NF54 (chloroquine-sensitive) and Dd2 (chloroquine-resistant), exhibiting inhibitory effects in the low micromolar range.© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Antiplasmodial activity; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Cyclopalladation; Thiosemicarbazone | Antiplasmodial activity; Bio-organometallic chemistry; Cyclopalladated complexes; Cyclopalladation; Plasmodium falciparum; Tetranuclear complexes; Thiosemicarbazone complexes; Thiosemicarbazones; Ligands; Organometallics; Palladium compounds; Phenols; Phosphorus; Synthesis (chemical); Plasmodium falciparum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84891595215 | Heterometallic half-sandwich complexes containing a ferrocenyl motif: Synthesis, molecular structure, electrochemistry and antiplasmodial evaluation | Nkoana W., Nyoni D., Chellan P., Stringer T., Taylor D., Smith P.J., Hutton A.T., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 752 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2013.11.025 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, South Africa | Nkoana, W., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Nyoni, D., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chellan, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Stringer, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Taylor, D., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, South Africa; Hutton, A.T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | The synthesis and characterisation of a series of new half-sandwich ruthenium(II), rhodium(III) and iridium(III) heterometallic complexes containing a ferrocenyl motif is reported. The dinuclear complexes were prepared by reaction of the ferrocenyl-salicylaldimine complex (1) with either [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2, [Rh(C5Me 5)Cl2]2 or [Ir(C5Me 5)Cl2]2 to yield heterobimetallic complexes where complex 1 acts as a bidentate anionic donor to ruthenium, rhodium or iridium via the imine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen atoms. The structures of the compounds have been confirmed using a variety of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of complexes 2-4. The electrochemical behaviour of the heterometallic complexes was examined using cyclic voltammetry and a positive shift in the half-wave potential (E 1/2) of the ferrocene/ferrocenium couple was observed for the Platinum Group Metal (PGM) complexes, indicating that the ferrocenyl moiety becomes harder to oxidise. The complexes were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity in vitro against the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain NF54, yielding IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further analysis of complexes 1-4 using a β-hematin inhibition assay revealed that these complexes are able to inhibit the formation of synthetic hemozoin. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Antiplasmodial activity; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Cyclic voltammetry; Ferrocene; Heterometallic | Antiplasmodial activity; Bio-organometallic chemistry; Electrochemical behaviour; Ferrocenes; Hetero bimetallic complexes; Heterometallic complexes; Heterometallics; Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis; Chlorine compounds; Cyclic voltammetry; Dyes; Iridium; Iridium compounds; Metallic compounds; Organometallics; Rhodium; Rhodium compounds; Ruthenium; Ruthenium compounds; X ray diffraction analysis; Synthesis (chemical) | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878358499 | Heterobimetallic ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone palladium(II) complexes: Synthesis, electrochemistry and antiplasmodial evaluation | Adams M., De Kock C., Smith P.J., Malatji P., Hutton A.T., Chibale K., Smith G.S. | 2013 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 739 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2013.04.017 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Adams, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; De Kock, C., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, K45, OMB, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Malatji, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Hutton, A.T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Heterobimetallic ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone palladium(II) complexes (3-5) were prepared through the cleavage of a chlorido-bridged palladium ferrocenylthiosemicarbazone intermediate (2) using various P-donor ligands. These compounds were screened for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (NF54) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum strains, exhibiting biological activity in the low micromolar range. The compounds generally display well-resolved electrochemically reversible one-electron transfer processes for the ferrocenyl group. The half-wave potential for the Fe(II)/Fe(III) couple is electronically influenced by the type of P-donor group through the palladium(II) centre. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Bioorganometallic chemistry; Cyclic voltammetry Antiplasmodial activity; Thiosemicarbazone | Antiplasmodial activity; Bio-organometallic chemistry; Half-wave potential; Heterobimetallics; One-electron transfer; Palladium complexes; Plasmodium falciparum; Thiosemicarbazones; Bioactivity; Cyclic voltammetry; Iron compounds; Metallic compounds; Synthesis (chemical); Palladium compounds; Plasmodium falciparum | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908334995 | Evaluation of trimetallic Ru(II)- and Os(II)-Arene complexes as potential anticancer agents | Makhubela B.C.E., Meyer M., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | None | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2014.08.034 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa | Makhubela, B.C.E., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Meyer, M., Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Schiff-base ligands, tris-2-(salicylaldimine ethyl)amine and tris-2-(2-pyridylimine ethyl)amine (1 and 2) were prepared and complexed to Ru(II) and Os(II) entities to form new trimetallic complexes (3-10). The complexes are air- and moisture-stable and have been characterized fully using elemental analysis, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy as well as HR-ESI-TOF-MS spectrometry. Related mononuclear analogues (11-14) were also prepared via the Schiff-base condensation reaction of propyl amine and the appropriate aldehyde to form propysalicylaldimine and propyl-2-pyridylimine ligands. Upon complexation with the respective metal dimers, ([OsCl2(p-cym)]2 and [OsBr2(p-cym)]2) complexes (11-14) formed and were characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The cytotoxicity of the trimetallic complexes (3-10) and their mononuclear analogues were established against human osteosarcoma (MG63), human ovarian (A2780cisR; cisplatin-resistant) cancer cells and model human non-cancerous cells (KMST6, fibroblast). All the complexes exhibited moderate to high anti-cancer activities and the most potent complexes were further evaluated for their ability to inhibit DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) - an enzyme key to cellular genetic processes, such as DNA replication and transcription. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Cancer; Cytotoxicity; I; Ruthenium(II)-arenes and osmium(II)-arenes; Topoisomerase; Trimetallic | Iodine; Arene complexes; Cancer; Potential anticancer agents; Topoisomerases; Trimetallic; Cytotoxicity | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908293274 | Evaluation of the in vitro anticancer activity of cyclometalated half-sandwich rhodium and iridium complexes coordinated to naphthaldimine-based poly(propyleneimine) dendritic scaffolds | Sudding L.C., Payne R., Govender P., Edafe F., Clavel C.M., Dyson P.J., Therrien B., Smith G.S. | 2014 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 774 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2014.10.003 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Chemistry, University of Neuchatel, 51 Ave de Bellevaux, Neuchatel, Switzerland | Sudding, L.C., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Payne, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Govender, P., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa; Edafe, F., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Clavel, C.M., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Dyson, P.J., Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Therrien, B., Institute of Chemistry, University of Neuchatel, 51 Ave de Bellevaux, Neuchatel, Switzerland; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, South Africa | The development of cyclometalated rhodium and iridium complexes from first- and second-generation naphthaldimine-based poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer scaffolds of the type, DAB-(NH2)n (where n = 4 or 8, DAB = diaminobutane) has been accomplished. Four metallodendrimers were synthesised, viz. (Cp∗MCl)4Gn (1-4), by first reacting DAB-(NH2)n with napththaldehyde and subsequently metallating the Schiff-base dendrimers with the dimers [Cp∗MCl2]2 (where M = Rh or Ir). Related mononuclear complexes [Cp∗MCl(L)] (L = naphthaldimine) (5-6) were obtained in a similar manner. The molecular structures of 5 and 6 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and the in vitro anticancer activities of 1-6 were evaluated against the A2780 and A2780cisR human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Anticancer drugs; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Cyclometalated; Iridium; Metallodendrimers; Rhodium | Rhodium; Anticancer activities; Anticancer drug; Bio-organometallic chemistry; Cyclometalated; Half-sandwich; Metallodendrimers; Poly(propylene imine); Rhodium and iridium complexes; Iridium | 66054, National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84883446453 | Synthesis, characterization, antiparasitic and cytotoxic evaluation of thioureas conjugated to polyamine scaffolds | Stringer T., Taylor D., De Kock C., Guzgay H., Au A., An S.H., Sanchez B., O'Connor R., Patel N., Land K.M., Smith P.J., Hendricks D.T., Egan T.J., Smith G.S. | 2013 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 69 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.08.004 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States | Stringer, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Taylor, D., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory 7925, South Africa; De Kock, C., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Guzgay, H., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Au, A., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States; An, S.H., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States; Sanchez, B., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States; O'Connor, R., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States; Patel, N., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States; Land, K.M., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, United States; Smith, P.J., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | A series of mono- and multimeric 4-amino-7-chloroquinoline and ferrocenyl thioureas have been prepared by the reaction of a 7-chloroquinoline methyl ester and a ferrocenylimine methyl ester with various amines. These compounds were characterized using standard spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The compounds were evaluated against the NF54 (CQ-sensitive) and Dd2 (CQ-resistant) strains of Plasmodiumfalciparum. The quinoline compounds show enhanced activity compared to the ferrocene compounds against this parasite. Compound 5 displays the most promising activity against the NF54 strain. Compounds 5 and 6 are effective at inhibiting β-hematin formation perhaps due to an increased number of quinoline moieties. The trimeric (12) and tetrameric (13) ferrocenyl compounds also inhibit β-hematin formation, albeit to a lesser degree compared to the quinoline thioureas. The compounds were also screened against the G3 strain of Trichomonasvaginalis and here the ferrocene-containing compounds show a slightly higher parasite growth inhibition compared to the quinoline thioureas. The quinoline compounds were also found to be more cytotoxic compared to the ferrocenyl compounds. Compound 6 displays good cytotoxicity against WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | β-Hematin inhibition; Antiparasitic activity; Antitumor activity; Ferrocene; Polyamines; Quinoline; Thioureas | antineoplastic agent; antiprotozoal agent; beta hematin; chloroquine; cisplatin; ferrocene; hematin; metronidazole; polyamine; quinoline derivative; thiourea derivative; unclassified drug; antineoplastic activity; antiprotozoal activity; article; cell viability; drug analysis; drug conjugation; drug synthesis; growth inhibition; human; human cell; IC 50; in vitro study; lipophilicity; nonhuman; Plasmodium falciparum; Trichomonas vaginalis; Antiparasitic activity; Antitumor activity; Ferrocene; Polyamines; Quinoline; Thioureas; β-Hematin inhibition; Antiparasitic Agents; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Cytotoxins; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Molecular Structure; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; Plasmodium falciparum; Polyamines; Structure-Activity Relationship; Thiourea; Trichomonas vaginalis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84867237053 | The design, synthesis, in silico ADME profiling, antiplasmodial and antimycobacterial evaluation of new arylamino quinoline derivatives | Tukulula M., Little S., Gut J., Rosenthal P.J., Wan B., Franzblau S.G., Chibale K. | 2012 | European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry | 57 | None | 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.08.047 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Institute of Tuberculosis Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612-7231, United States; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Tukulula, M., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Little, S., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Gut, J., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Rosenthal, P.J., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Wan, B., Institute of Tuberculosis Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612-7231, United States; Franzblau, S.G., Institute of Tuberculosis Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612-7231, United States; Chibale, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | A series of new arylamino quinoline derivatives was designed based on the quinine and mefloquine scaffolds and evaluated in vitro for antiplasmodial and antimycobacterial activities. A number of these compounds exhibited significant activity against the drug-sensitive 3D7 and drug-resistant K1 strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, two compounds, 4.12b and 4.12d, also showed 94 and 98% growth inhibitory activity against non-replicating and replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, respectively. © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Antimycobacterial; Antiplasmodial; Arylamino quinoline tetrazoles; Physico-chemical properties | 4 [(1 tert butyl 1h tetrazol 5 yl)(piperidin 1 yl)methyl] 6 methoxyquinoline; antimalarial agent; n [(1 tert butyl 1h tetrazol 5 yl)(6 methoxyquinolin 4 yl)methyl] n ethylethanamine; quinoline derivative; tuberculostatic agent; unclassified drug; antibacterial activity; antiprotozoal activity; article; computer model; drug absorption; drug design; drug distribution; drug excretion; drug metabolism; drug structure; drug synthesis; electrospray mass spectrometry; growth inhibition; in vitro study; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; nonhuman; physical chemistry; Plasmodium falciparum; Aminoquinolines; Antiprotozoal Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Biological Assay; Blood-Brain Barrier; Computer Simulation; Drug Design; Erythrocytes; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Mefloquine; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Models, Biological; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Plasmodium falciparum; Quinine; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tetrazoles | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925457770 | Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of fluorocarbon-containing rhodium(I) complexes for biphasic hydroformylation reactions | Maqeda L., Makhubela B.C.E., Smith G.S. | 2015 | Polyhedron | 91 | None | 10.1016/j.poly.2015.02.037 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Maqeda, L., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Makhubela, B.C.E., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa | Abstract A series of fluorocarbon-containing salicylaldimine and iminophosphine Schiff base ligands and their Rh(I) complexes were synthesized. The synthesized ligands and complexes were characterized using different analytical and spectroscopic techniques including (1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H} and 19F{1H} NMR spectroscopy), FT-IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (ESI and EI), and elemental analysis. In addition, single crystal X-ray diffraction was also used for characterization for complexes 1 and 2. Consequently, the Rh(I) synthesized complexes were evaluated as catalyst precursors in the hydroformylation of 1-octene. The hydroformylation results showed that the iminophosphine and salicylaldimine-based catalyst precursors are active and selective under mild conditions, converting 1-octene to mostly aldehydes. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Biphasic catalysis; Fluorocarbon; Hydroformylation; Rhodium(I) complexes; Schiff bases | None | DST, University of Capetown; UCT, University of Capetown |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84929463566 | Synthesis, characterization and pharmacological evaluation of ferrocenyl azines and their rhodium(I) complexes | Stringer T., Guzgay H., Combrinck J.M., Hopper M., Hendricks D.T., Smith P.J., Land K.M., Egan T.J., Smith G.S. | 2015 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 788 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2015.04.009 | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States | Stringer, T., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Guzgay, H., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Combrinck, J.M., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa; Hopper, M., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States; Hendricks, D.T., Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Smith, P.J., Division of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa; Land, K.M., Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, United States; Egan, T.J., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Smith, G.S., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa | Ferrocenyl azines containing salicylaldimine motifs were prepared by Schiff-base condensation of salicylaldehyde hydrazones and (dimethylamino)methyl ferrocenecarboxaldehyde. Their corresponding Rh(I) complexes were prepared by reaction of the various ferrocenyl azines with [RhCl(COD)]<inf>2</inf> (where COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) to yield heterobimetallic complexes. The compounds were characterized using standard spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The characterization data suggests that the ferrocenyl azine acts as a bidentate donor. The rhodium(I) centre binds to the imine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen of the salicylaldimine, forming a neutral complex. The compounds were screened against the NF54 chloroquine-sensitive (CQS) and K1 chloroquine-resistant (CQR) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The ferrocene-containing salicylaldimines exhibited weak to moderate activity across both parasite strains. The heterometallic complexes exhibited enhanced activity compared to the ferrocenyl azines in both strains. Most of the compounds exhibited enhanced activity in the resistant strain compared to the sensitive strain. Inhibition of haemozoin formation was considered as a possible mechanism of action of these compounds and indeed they exhibited β-haematin inhibition activity, albeit weaker than chloroquine. All compounds were also screened against the G3 strain of Trichomonas vaginalis. The compounds inhibited no more than 50% parasite growth at the tested concentration. One complex exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against WHCO1 oesophageal cancer cells. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Antiparasitic activity; Bioorganometallic chemistry; Cytotoxicity; Ferrocene; Heterobimetallic; Plasmodium falciparum | Cytotoxicity; Functional groups; Metallic compounds; Nitrogen compounds; Organometallics; Rhodium; Strain; Synthesis (chemical); Antiparasitic activity; Bio-organometallic chemistry; Ferrocenes; Heterobimetallics; Plasmodium falciparum; Rhodium compounds; Plasmodium falciparum; Trichomonas vaginalis | National Research Foundation |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-29144493144 | Improving performance in a second year chemistry course: An evaluation of a tutorial scheme on the learning of chemistry | Davidowitz B., Rollnick M. | 2005 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 58 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, South Africa; School of Education, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Davidowitz, B., Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Rollnick, M., School of Education, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa | Throughput of students is a concern for academic departments especially since it will be the basis of a new funding formula for tertiary institutions. In order to reduce content for increased mastery, and ensure student engagement with chemical concepts, tutorials were introduced for two of the second year chemistry sub-disciplines at UCT in the place of some formal lectures. The impact of this innovation was investigated using questionnaires, interviews and a study of opportunistic data such as examination results. Analysis of the data showed that the overall pass rate increased noticeably as did the number of students achieving high marks. Student, tutor and lecturer feedback lent credence to the belief that the improvement was largely due to the introduction of the tutorial scheme. In addition, some noteworthy differences between the sub-disciplines were identified. Some of these differences were attributed to the lecturer's understanding of his own teaching. | Chemical education; Curriculum design; Improving performance in chemistry; Tutorials | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896900864 | Evaluation of pyrene sorption-desorption on tropical soils | Olu-Owolabi B.I., Diagboya P.N., Adebowale K.O. | 2014 | Journal of Environmental Management | 137 | None | 10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.01.048 | Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China | Olu-Owolabi, B.I., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Diagboya, P.N., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China; Adebowale, K.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Sorption-desorption processes control soil-pollutant interactions. These processes determine the extent of pyrene transport in soils. Understanding sorption characteristics of pyrene is necessary in ascertaining its fate in soil. Laboratory batch experiments were conducted to study the sorptions-desorption of pyrene on eight soils from varying tropical agro-ecological zones (AEZs). The results showed that pyrene sorptions equilibria were attained within 720min. Solution pH had a reciprocal effect on pyrene sorptions. Sorption was exothermic and increased with pyrene concentration in solution. The quantities of pyrene sorbed by each soil as well as the hysteresis were proportional to the percentage organic matter, and to some degree, the clay mineralogy. Sorption isotherms showed distributed reactivity involving several linear and non-linear isotherms. The present investigation showed that pyrene is likely to be more available to biota and reach the aquifer faster in low organic matter soils than those with relatively higher organic matter and more so in warmer climes. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Agro-ecological zone; Pyrene; Sorption; Tropical soils | aluminum oxide; aluminum silicate; calcium carbonate; ferric hydroxide; ferric oxide; montmorillonite; organic matter; pyrene; soil organic matter; clay; pyrene; pyrene derivative; soil; soil pollutant; experimental study; organic matter; phase equilibrium; pollution control; pyrene; reaction kinetics; soil pollution; sorption; tropical soil; adsorption; article; controlled study; desorption; diffusion; isotherm; mineralogy; particle size; physical chemistry; physical phenomena; soil; soil acidity; soil property; sorption; surface soil; thermodynamics; chemical model; chemistry; kinetics; Nigeria; soil; soil pollutant; tropic climate; Adsorption; Aluminum Silicates; Kinetics; Models, Chemical; Nigeria; Pyrenes; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Thermodynamics; Tropical Climate | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80455137096 | Isolation of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) methylpropenoate and bioactivity evaluation of Gomphrena celosioides extracts | Dosumua O.O., Idowuc P.A., Onochab P.A., Ekundayob O. | 2010 | EXCLI Journal | 9 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Dosumua, O.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Idowuc, P.A., Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Onochab, P.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Ekundayob, O., Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | The efficacy of Gomphrena celosioides extracts in traditional medicine in the treatment of infectious diseases was evaluated by biological assays. The bioactivities of the extracts of this plant were tested against organisms. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the plant displayed inhibition activities on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Methanol extract was active against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton species with diameter zones of inhibition between 14 and 20 mm. Fractionation of the methanol extract produced 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) methylpropenoate with mild antimicrobial activity against the test microorganisms. The anthelmintic assay showed ethyl acetate and methanol extracts to be active against Fasciola gigantica, Taenia solium and Pheretima pasthuma. Ethyl acetate was the most toxic of the extracts causing paralysis of Taenia solium within 15 minutes and the death of Fasciola gigantica within 20 minutes of application. The brine shrimp assay gave an LC 50 of 52.15 and 77.98 μg/ml on hexane and methanol extracts respectively. The result of this work corroborated the folkloric use of Gomphrena celosioides in the treatment of infectious diseases. | Anthelmintic; Antimicrobial; Cytotoxicity; Gomphrena celosioides; Phytochemical analysis | 3 (4 hydroxyphenyl)methylpropenate; acetic acid ethyl ester; ampicillin; anthelmintic agent; antiinfective agent; Gomphrena celosioides extract; hydroxybenzoic acid derivative; methanol; plant extract; tioconazole; unclassified drug; Amaranthaceae; annelid worm; anthelmintic activity; antibacterial activity; Artemia; article; Aspergillus niger; Bacillus subtilis; Candida albicans; controlled study; cytotoxicity; drug isolation; drug screening; drug structure; Escherichia coli; Fasciola gigantica; Gomphrena celosioides; growth inhibition; LC 50; nonhuman; Pheretima pasthuma; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhi; Staphylococcus aureus; structure analysis; Taenia solium; toxicity testing; Trichophyton; Artemia; Aspergillus niger; Bacillus subtilis; Candida albicans; Escherichia coli; Fasciola gigantica; Gomphrena celosioides; Pheretima; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhi; Staphylococcus aureus; Taenia solium; Trichophyton | 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-s2.0-84874634560 | Pyrazolylimine iron and cobalt, and pyrazolylamine nickel complexes: Synthesis and evaluation of nickel complexes as ethylene oligomerization catalysts | Ainooson M.K., Guzei I.A., Spencer L.C., Darkwa J. | 2013 | Polyhedron | 53 | None | 10.1016/j.poly.2013.01.018 | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States | Ainooson, M.K., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; Guzei, I.A., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Spencer, L.C., Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Darkwa, J., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | A series of tridentate (O^N^N) and bidentate (N^N) iron, cobalt and nickel complexes were prepared from {2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-[(2-(3,5-RR-pyrazol-1-yl- ethylimino)methyl]-phenol}, R = H (L1), Me (L2), Ph (L3), [(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2- ethoxy-benzylidene)-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-ethyl]amine (L4), and (4-(4-tert-butyl-benzylidene)-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl]-imine) (L5). Ligands L1-L5 were reacted with MX2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni; X = Cl, Br) to form three types of complexes. Whereas tridentate O∧N∧N bound complexes were formed with Fe(II) and Co(II) salts (1-6), reactions involving Ni(II) salts resulted in hydrolysis of the Schiff base ligands used to form a novel tetranuclear cubane-like cluster [Ni4(3,5-Me2pza) 4Cl8] (7) (pza = (3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1yl)ethylamine) and mononuclear [Ni(3,5-R2pza)Br2] (R = H (8); R = Me (9) complexes. Molecular structures of five complexes (1, 5-7 and 9), determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, confirmed that ligand hydrolysis occurred in the nickel reactions. All three nickel complexes showed good to excellent activity towards ethylene oligomerization with activities up to 10 726 kg (mol Ni h)-1. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Catalysts; Cobalt; Complexes; Ethylene oligomerization; Imine hydrolysis; Iron; Nickel | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941762656 | Synthesis and characterisation of silver(I) benzyldiphenylphosphine complexes: Towards the biological evaluation on SNO cells | Potgieter K., Cronjé M.J., Meijboom R. | 2015 | Inorganica Chimica Acta | 437 | None | 10.1016/j.ica.2015.08.023 | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, P.O. Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, P.O. Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa | Potgieter, K., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, P.O. Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa; Cronjé, M.J., Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, P.O. Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa; Meijboom, R., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, P.O. Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa | Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, due to the lack of effective anticancer agents, and the agents leading to side-effects. It is therefore crucial to find an anticancer agent which is effective enough to destroy the cancer cells without causing side-effects. Silver(I) complexes have the potential to be applied as effective anticancer agents, due to their excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Silver(I) benzyldiphenylphosphine complexes were synthesised and characterised by means of NMR, FTIR as well as single crystal X-ray diffractometry (SXRD). The crystal structure revealed a trigonal planar geometry, which is rarely seen in silver chemistry. In addition, the anticancer activity of these complexes was evaluated against a malignant SNO (oesophageal) cancer cell line. The viability of the cells after treatment with the complexes were determined using an alamarBlue® viability assay. The possible mode of cell death, being apoptosis, necrosis or both, was determined by studying the treated cells under a microscope. A significant decrease in the viability of the cells after 24 h treatment with the complexes was observed. The morphological studies revealed that apoptosis could be a possible mode of cell death, however some necrosis was observed. Silver(I) benzyldiphenylphosphine complexes shows potential as effective anticancer agents. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Anticancer activity; Silver(I) phosphine complexes; SNO cancer cells | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879915075 | Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel thiosemicarbazone-triazole hybrid compounds as antimalarial agents | Kinfe H.H., Belay Y.H. | 2013 | South African Journal of Chemistry | 66 | None | None | Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Kinfe, H.H., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa; Belay, Y.H., Department of Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa | Anovel series of thiosemicarbazone-triazole hybrids were efficiently synthesized and evaluated for their activity against the 3D7 strain of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Although the hybrids were found not to be as potent as the standard chloroquine, they have shown activities interesting enough to warrant future structure activity relationship (SAR) studies. | Antimalarial; Hybrid; Thiosemicarbazone; Triazole | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84856234669 | Binuclear Pd-methyl complexes of N,N′-{1, n}-alkanediyl- bis(pyridinyl-2-methanimine) ligands (n = 5, 8, 9, 10 and 12): Evaluation as catalysts precursors for phenylacetylene polymerization | Sibanyoni J.M., Bagihalli G.B., Mapolie S.F. | 2012 | Journal of Organometallic Chemistry | 700 | None | 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2011.11.019 | Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag 1, Matieland, 7601, Stellenbosch, South Africa | Sibanyoni, J.M., Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Bagihalli, G.B., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag 1, Matieland, 7601, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Mapolie, S.F., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag 1, Matieland, 7601, Stellenbosch, South Africa | A series of bifunctional ligands of the type N,N′-{1, n}-alkanediyl-bis(pyridinyl-2-methanimine) {n = 5, 8, 9, 10, 12}(L1-L5) were synthesized and fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Binuclear palladium-methylchloride complexes C1-C5 were formed by reacting the ligands with [(COD)Pd(CH 3)Cl]. The formed complexes were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The synthesized complexes were evaluated as catalyst precursors for phenylacetylene polymerization after activation with AgBF 4, AgBPh 4 and NaB(Ar f) 4 (Sodium tetrakis[(3.5-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate) under various reaction conditions (solvent ratio, catalyst type, monomer/catalyst ratio, reaction time and nature of counterion). The cationic palladium-methyl catalyst precursors C1a-C5a were found to be active catalysts for phenylacetylene polymerization. The obtained polyphenylacetylene were analyzed by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and found to be largely cis-transoidal in nature. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Diimine complexes; N,N′-{1,n}-alkanediyl-bis(pyridinyl-2-methanimine) ligands; Pd-methyl complexes; Phenylacetylene polymerization; Polyphenylacetylene | Active catalyst; Bifunctional ligand; Catalyst precursors; Catalysts precursors; Counterions; Diimine complexes; Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry; Pd-methyl complexes; Phenylacetylenes; Polyphenylacetylene; Reaction conditions; Tetrakis; Trifluoromethyl; Acetylene; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Catalysts; Cationic polymerization; Chlorine compounds; Electrospray ionization; Gel permeation chromatography; Ligands; Mass spectrometry; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Organic polymers; Palladium compounds | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940025563 | In vitro evaluation of the comprehensive antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of curtisia dentata (Burm.f) C.A. Sm: Toxicological effect on the human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines | Fadipe V.O., Mongalo N.I., Opoku A.R. | 2015 | EXCLI Journal | 14 | None | 10.17179/excli2015-351 | Department of Chemistry, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Laboratories, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Fadipe, V.O., Department of Chemistry, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; Mongalo, N.I., College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Laboratories, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, South Africa; Opoku, A.R., Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Curtisia dentata is used in African traditional medicine to treat variety of infections. C. dentata leaves were collected from Buffelskloof Nature Reserve, South Africa. The ethanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial activity using micro dilution assay against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Candida albicans and some clinical isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from HIV patient. Acetone extract exhibited lowest MIC of 0.01 mg/ml against Candida albicans compared to other extracts. Besides lupeol, betulinic acid and ursolic acid, β-sitosterol was isolated for the first time from C. dentata leaves and exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.20 to 6.25 mg/ml. Furthermore, the ethanol extract and the four isolated compounds revealed microbicidal effect, with MIC index of less than 4. Ethanol extract revealed the best total activity of 2400 ml/g against Mycoplasma hominis. Cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was further investigated against the Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines using the MTT assay. Ursolic acid exhibited the lowest LD<inf>50</inf> of 122.4 μg/ml against HEK293 cell line while lupeol exhibited LD<inf>50</inf> of 278.8 and 289.4 μg/ml against HEK293 and HepG2 respectively. Lupeol exhibited low selectivity index. Ethyl acetate and acetone extracts were further investigated for antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The acetone extract exhibited potent inhibition of DPPH compared to ethyl acetate extract. The findings of the current work validate the use of the plant species in the treatment of various human infections. © 2015 Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors. All rights reserved. | Antimicrobial; Antioxidant; Curtisia dentata; Cytotoxicity; Ethnomedicine; β-sitosterol | 1,1 diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl; antiinfective agent; antioxidant; ascorbic acid; betulic acid; Curtisia dentata extract; lupeol; plant extract; sitosterol; streptomycin sulfate; unclassified drug; ursolic acid; antimicrobial activity; antioxidant activity; Article; Candida albicans; controlled study; Curtisia dentata; drug cytotoxicity; drug isolation; Escherichia coli; HEK293 cell line; HepG2 cell line; human; human cell; in vitro study; LD50; minimum bactericidal concentration; minimum fungicidal concentration; minimum inhibitory concentration; Moraxella catarrhalis; Mycobacterium smegmatis; Mycoplasma hominis; nonhuman; plant leaf; Proteus mirabilis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus; Candida albicans; Curtisia dentata; Escherichia coli; Moraxella catarrhalis; Mycobacterium smegmatis; Mycoplasma hominis; Proteus mirabilis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912093078 | Synthesis and characterization of rhodium doped on TiOHCP for enhanced photocatalytic performance on pentachlorophenol | Sanni S.O., Idemudia O.G. | 2014 | Journal of Nanomaterials | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/287493 | Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag x021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alicee, South Africa | Sanni, S.O., Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag x021, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Idemudia, O.G., Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag x1314, Alicee, South Africa | Visible-light-responsive material based on Rhodium doped on titanium dispersed on dealuminated clinoptilolite (TiOHCP) was synthesized via a combination of the sol-gel method and photoreductive deposition technique. The photocatalyst surface characterization, structural and optical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV-visible spectra (UV-VIS). Doping TiOHCP with Rh imparts a red shifting of the absorption band into the visible light region according to UV-VIS. The prepared composite materials were evaluated for their photocatalytic activities on pentachlorophenol (PCP) degradation under sunlight irradiation. The Rhodium doped TiOHCP exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and can be considered as a potential photocatalyst in wastewater treatment. © 2014 Saheed Olalekan Sanni and Omoruyi Gold Idemudia. | None | Complexation; Energy dispersive X ray analysis; Gravimetric analysis; Herbicides; Light; Optical properties; Phenols; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; Rhodium; Scanning electron microscopy; Sol-gel process; Sol-gels; Thermogravimetric analysis; Wastewater treatment; X ray diffraction; Energy dispersive x-ray; Photocatalytic activities; Photocatalytic performance; Structural and optical properties; Surface characterization; Synthesis and characterizations; Thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA); Visible-light-responsive; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871398016 | Cystatin C-based evaluation of kidney function of HIV-infected children in Benin City, Southern Nigeria | Abiodun M.T., Iduoriyekemwen N.J., Abiodun P.O. | 2012 | International Journal of Nephrology | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/861296 | Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria | Abiodun, M.T., Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria; Iduoriyekemwen, N.J., Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria; Abiodun, P.O., Department of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin 300001, Nigeria | Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now a confirmed risk factor for kidney disease with an increased burden in persons of African descent. Method. We measured the serum cystatin C levels of 205 ART-naive, HIV-infected children by an ELISA technique and compared them with the levels of apparently healthy children. Result. The mean ± SD serum cystatin C level of children with HIV infection was 1.01 ± 0.44 mg/L, significantly higher than the mean value in the control group, that is, 0.72 ± 0.20 mg/L (P=0.000). The mean ± SD cystatin C-based estimated GFR of children with HIV infection was 102.7 ± 31.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, significantly lower than 126.9 ± 28.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the control group, (P=0.014). A significantly higher proportion of HIV-infected children compared to controls had eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (21.5% versus 5.4%; P=0.00). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the HIV-infected children was 10.7%. The cystatin C-based eGFR of the HIV-infected children ≥5 years old correlated positively with their CD4 count (r=0.23; P=0.022). Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of CKD among HIV-infected children, requiring regular monitoring of their kidney function using a cystatin C-based method. © 2012 Moses Temidayo Abiodun et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901623587 | The use of basalt aggregates in the production of concrete for the prefabrication industry: Environmental impact assessment, interpretation and improvement | Ingrao C., Lo Giudice A., Tricase C., Mbohwa C., Rana R. | 2014 | Journal of Cleaner Production | 75 | None | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.04.002 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland-Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy | Ingrao, C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Lo Giudice, A., Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland-Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa; Tricase, C., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Mbohwa, C., Department of Quality and Operations Management, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland-Park, 2006 Johannesburg, South Africa; Rana, R., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy | This study aims at environmentally assessing the most significant input and output flows related to the production of concrete using basalt aggregates. For this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was applied according to the ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006. All data used were collected on site based on observations during site visits, review of documents and interviews with technical personnel and management. They were processed by using SimaPro 7.3.3, accessing the Ecoinvent v.2.2 database and using the Impact 2002+ method. The LCIA results show that the most impacting phase is the production of the basalt aggregates, with "Human Health" being the most affected damage category because of the emissions to air, of 2.7 kg of particulates (grain size <2.5 μm). In addition to this, the concrete production causes, mainly, the emission, in air, of 465 kg of Carbon Dioxide and the consumption of 37.37 kg of crude oil, per cubic metre of concrete, affecting, the damage categories "Climate Change" and "Resources" also. Regarding "Ecosystem Quality", the occurred damage is due to the emission to air, of 29.6 g of Aluminium and of 251 mg of Zinc into the soil per cubic metre of concrete. Based on the obtained results, the increase of the amount of water used for particulates removal during the basalt extraction phase was assessed. Furthermore, the alternative use of limestone aggregates was assessed from both technical and environmental perspectives. The analysis developed highlighted a total damage decrease of 67%. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Basalt; Concrete; Environmental sustainability; Impact indicators; Life cycle assessment; Particulates emission | Basalt; Carbon dioxide; Climate change; Concretes; Environmental impact assessments; Human resource management; Life cycle; Particulate emissions; Basalt aggregates; Concrete productions; Environmental sustainability; Impact indicators; Input and outputs; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Limestone aggregates; Technical personnel; Aggregates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84936945068 | Performance of pit latrines in urban poor areas: A case of Kampala, Uganda | Nakagiri A., Kulabako R.N., Nyenje P.M., Tumuhairwe J.B., Niwagaba C.B., Kansiime F. | 2015 | Habitat International | 49 | None | 10.1016/j.habitatint.2015.07.005 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Environmental Management, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | Nakagiri, A., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kulabako, R.N., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Nyenje, P.M., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Tumuhairwe, J.B., Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Niwagaba, C.B., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Kansiime, F., Department of Environmental Management, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda | In many urban poor areas of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), demand for human excreta disposal is met, predominantly by pit latrines. This study aimed at determining the status of pit latrines (design, construction, operation and maintenance) and its influence on latrine performance (filling, smell and insect nuisance). The study was conducted on 130 pit latrines in typical urban poor areas of Kampala, Uganda. Data on design, construction, usage, operation and performance of the pit latrines was collected by interviews, observations and measurements; and analysed by descriptive statistics, bi-variate analysis and logistic regression. Results showed that the level of pit content was predicted by rain or storm water entry, terrain, cleaning before or after use and number of households using the latrine. Smell was predicted by cleanliness, stance length, superstructure material and whether the latrine was private or public. The predictor of presence of flies was the superstructure material. To improve the performance of pit latrines in urban poor areas, researchers and practitioners should develop local latrine design standards (dimensions, construction materials and number of users) and cleaning guidelines for local policy makers to implement. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Maintenance; Operation; Performance; Pit latrines; Smell; Urban poor | construction; design; low income population; maintenance; poverty; sanitation; urban area; Kampala; Uganda; Hexapoda | None |
| None | None | Field performance of alternative landfill covers vegetated with cottonwood and eucalyptus trees | Abichou T., Musagasa J., Yuan L., Chanton J., Tawfiq K., Rockwood D., Licht L. | 2012 | International Journal of Phytoremediation | 14 | None | 10.1080/15226514.2011.607869 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida State University Tallahassee, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States; Civil Engineering Department, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Geosyntec Consultants, Columbia, Maryland, United States; Department of Oceanography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States; School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States; Ecolotree, Inc., North Liberty, Iowa, United States | Abichou, T., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida State University Tallahassee, 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States; Musagasa, J., Civil Engineering Department, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Yuan, L., Geosyntec Consultants, Columbia, Maryland, United States; Chanton, J., Department of Oceanography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States; Tawfiq, K., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States; Rockwood, D., School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States; Licht, L., Ecolotree, Inc., North Liberty, Iowa, United States | A field study was conducted to assess the ability of landfill covers to control percolation into the waste. Performance of one conventional cover was compared to that of two evapotranspiration (ET) tree covers, using large (7 × 14 m) lined lysimeters at the Leon County Solid Waste management facility in Tallahassee, Florida. Additional unlined test sections were also constructed and monitored in order to compare soil water storage, soil temperature, and tree growth inside lysimeters and in unlined test sections. The unlined test sections were in direct contact with landfill gas.Surface runoff on the ET covers was a small proportion of the water balance (1% of precipitation) as compared to 13% in the conventional cover. Percolation in the ET covers averaged 17% and 24% of precipitation as compared to 33% in the conventional cover. On average, soil water storage was higher in the lined lysimeters (429 mm) compared to unlined test sections (408 mm). The average soil temperature in the lysimeters was lower than in the unlined test sections. The average tree height inside the lysimeters was not significantly lower (8.04 m for eucalyptus and 7.11 m for cottonwood) than outside (8.82 m for eucalyptus and 8.01 m for cottonwood). ET tree covers vegetated with cottonwood or eucalyptus are feasible for North Florida climate as an alternative to GCL covers. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC. | alternative covers; cottonwood; eucalyptus; evapotranspiration; landfill covers; lysimeter | rain; water; article; chemistry; construction work and architectural phenomena; environmental monitoring; Eucalyptus; growth, development and aging; pollution; Populus; season; soil; standard; temperature; tree; United States; waste disposal facility; water flow; water pollution; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollution; Eucalyptus; Facility Design and Construction; Florida; Populus; Rain; Seasons; Soil; Temperature; Trees; Waste Disposal Facilities; Water; Water Movements; Water Pollution; Eucalyptus; Populus | 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-s2.0-84943616357 | Extraction of oil from Terminalia catappa L.: Process parameter impacts, kinetics, and thermodynamics | Menkiti M.C., Agu C.M., Udeigwe T.K. | 2015 | Industrial Crops and Products | 77 | None | 10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.08.019 | Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech Un | Menkiti, M.C., Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States, Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Agu, C.M., Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria; Udeigwe, T.K., Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States | The effects of temperature, time, solvent type, and particle size on oil yield as well as the effects of these parameters (particle size, time, and temperature) on the kinetics and thermodynamics parameters (enthalpy, entropy, and free energy) of oil extraction from Terminalia catappa L. kernel (TCK) were investigated. Among the different extractions solvents examined, n-hexane gave the highest oil yield of 60.45% (by weight) at 55°C, 150min, and 0.5mm particle size. Findings from the physicochemical properties investigation revealed that the viscosity, acidity, and dielectric strength of the TCK oil were 20.29mm2s-1, 4.73mg KOH/g oil, and 30.61kV, suggesting the potential suitability of TCK oil as transformer oil. Analysis of the chemical composition of the TCK oil indicated that it is composed of 43.89% and 56.1% saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. The kinetics of the TCK oil extraction was better described by the pseudo second order model compared to hyperbolic and Elovich models. The δG, δS, and δH values of the TCK oil extraction process were -28.76kJ/mol, 0.643kJ/mol, and 182.81kJ/mol, respectively, indicating spontaneous, irreversible, and endothermic process. © 2015. | Kinetics; Solvent extraction; Terminalia catappa L.; Thermodynamics | Chemical analysis; Enzyme kinetics; Extraction; Fatty acids; Free energy; Hexane; Kinetics; Particle size; Solvent extraction; Solvents; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Unsaturated fatty acids; Chemical compositions; Dielectric strengths; Effects of temperature; Endothermic process; Kinetics and thermodynamics; Physicochemical property; Pseudo-second order model; Terminalia catappa L; Oil filled transformers; Terminalia catappa | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903839917 | Geotechnical evaluation of some lateritic soils in Akure South, South-Western Nigeria | Owolabi T.A., Aderinola O.S. | 2014 | Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering | None | None | None | Department of Civil Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | Owolabi, T.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria; Aderinola, O.S., Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria | This research project aims at evaluating the geotechnical properties of lateritic soil in Akure South, Southwestern Nigeria. In order to achieve this, six samples were collected from two borrow pits for laboratory test. Atterberg limits test, specific gravity test, sieve analysis test, moisture content test, compaction test and California bearing ratio test (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength were conducted on the soil samples in accordance with British standard code of practice (BS1377:1990), Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. The particle size analysis shows that the percentages passing number 200 BS sieve are 13%, 6% and 53% for samples S1, S2 and S3 respectively. Samples S1 and S2 can be deduced as suitable for sub-grade, sub-base and base materials as the percentage by weight finer than N0 200BS test sieve is less than 35%. The Atterberg limit result shows that sample S1, S2 and S3 have sandy particle sizes predominating. Hence the soil sample as a result of its particle size composition happens to be a cohesionless soil with no plasticity. The natural moisture content for the soil samples ranges between 5.26% to14.72%. The Specific gravity of the tested samples lies between 2.64 and 2.71. The soaked California bearing ratio ranges from 53.30% - 70.85%. The maximum dry density for the soil samples varies between 1.89 Mg/m3 and 2.314 Mg/m3 with their optimum moisture content ranging between 6.25% to 17.44% while the unconfined compressive strength for S3 is 53.315kN/m2. According to AASHTO soil classification samples S1 and S2 can be classified as A-1b materials (granular material) consist of well graded mixtures of gravel, coarse sand and fine sand and can be rated as excellent material for road works having satisfied all the conditions for constructing subgrade and subbase materials while sample S3 can be classified as A-4 material (silty soil), rated as fair to poor sub-grade material and cannot be used as a construction material. Conversely this research work has provided data for engineers, designers and contractor for the use of this borrowpits for construction work. It is recommended that all contractors should ensure that the testing and quality control of pavement materials is done before the commencement of work on site. © 2014 ejge. | Atterberg limit test; California bearing ratio; Compaction test; Geotechnical properties; Lateritic soil; Particle size analysis test; Soil classification; Specific gravity | Civil engineering; Compaction; Compressive strength; Contractors; Density (specific gravity); Granular materials; Moisture determination; Particle size analysis; Research; Sieves; Soil surveys; Soils; Compaction; Compressive strength; Contractors; Density (specific gravity); Engineering research; Granular materials; Materials testing; Moisture; Moisture determination; Particle size; Particle size analysis; Quality control; Sieves; Soil surveys; Soils; Strength of materials; Atterberg limits; California bearing ratio; Compaction test; Geotechnical properties; Lateritic soils; Soil classification; Soil testing; Soil testing; Atterberg limit; bearing capacity; compaction; compressive strength; laboratory method; laterite; moisture content; particle size; soil classification; soil mechanics; soil water; Akure; Nigeria; Ondo | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84866506828 | Comparative evaluation of conventional infiltration models under tropical rainforest (TRF) conditions in south western nigeria | Ehigiator O.A. | 2011 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 6 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.6.65 | Department of Civil Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Ehigiator, O.A., Department of Civil Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria | Three commonly used expressions for modeling soil-water infiltration were evaluated for a tropical rainforest watershed in southwestern Nigeria under conditions of old, highly weathered soils and high rainfall intensities. The evaluation focused on the suitability of the expressions in assessing the decrease in infiltration opportunities that usually accompany deforestation. The equations were fitted into data spanning nine years obtained from infiltrometer experiments of the type where infiltration and runoff are generated onsite in response to single rainfall intensity without allowing for any modification due to inflow. The analysis revealed that soil-water infiltration into these tropical alfisols is better described by the Kostiakov's model. Effects of duration of cultivation for different years following deforestation of the secondary vegetation were highlighted. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Deforestation; Infiltration opportunity; Kostiakov's expression; Phillip's model | Alfisols; Comparative evaluations; Infiltration models; Infiltrometers; Kostiakov's expression; Nigeria; Rainfall intensity; Secondary vegetation; Soil water; Tropical rain forest; Weathered soils; Deforestation; Geologic models; Rain; Soils; Tropics; Infiltration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84934277129 | The effect of organic loading rates (OLRs) on the performances of food wastes and maize husks anaerobic co-digestion in continuous mode | Owamah H.I., Izinyon O.C. | 2015 | Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments | 11 | None | 10.1016/j.seta.2015.06.002 | Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Landmark University, P.M.B.1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria | Owamah, H.I., Department of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Landmark University, P.M.B.1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria; Izinyon, O.C., Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria | A continuous anaerobic digestion experiment was carried out to investigate the co-digestion of 75% food waste and 25% maize husk at different organic loading rates (OLRs) of 1-4.5 gVS/L/d. Results obtained showed that pH fluctuated between 7.3 and 7.5 and total alkalinity (TA) between 0.4 and 6.7 g CaCO3/L, indicating that the system was not inhibited by acidification. The range of the ratio of volatile fatty acid (VFA) to TA of 0.06-0.25 was also well below 0.4 and showed that the anaerobic co-digestion was stable and feasible. Though there was no significant difference (p< 0.05) between biogas yields at OLRs of 3.5 and 4.5 gVS/L/d, the methane content at OLR of 4.5 gVS/L/d was higher than that of 3.5 gVS/L/d and suggests that carbon dioxide producing microorganisms were more active in OLR of 3.5 gVS/L/d. The OLR of 4.5 gVS/L/d was therefore found to be the most satisfactory for large scale operation of anaerobic digesters for co-digestion of food waste and maize husk. From a separate batch test, the average biogas yield of 0.50 ± 0.04, 0.24 ± 0.02 and 1.31 ± 0.07 L/gVS were obtained from digesters A, B and C, respectively, indicating that the addition of maize husk to digester C significantly improved the production of biogas from food waste when compared to the biogas yield of digester A that contained food waste alone. Digester B with 100% maize husk was by far the least performed digester. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Biogas yield; Continuous digestion; Digester performance; Food waste; Maize husk | Alkalinity; Biogas; Carbon; Carbon dioxide; Fatty acids; Methane; Pulp digesters; Volatile fatty acids; Anaerobic co-digestion; Anaerobic digester; Digester performance; Food waste; Maize husk; Methane content; Organic loading rates; Total alkalinities; Anaerobic digestion; anoxic conditions; biogas; fatty acid; microorganism; performance assessment; waste; Zea mays | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84874388317 | The impact of rheology on the mechanical performance of steel Fiber-Reinforced concrete | van Zijl G.P.A.G., Zeranka S. | 2012 | RILEM Bookseries | 2 | None | 10.1007/978-94-007-2436-5_8 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | van Zijl, G.P.A.G., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa; Zeranka, S., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa | Fibers are added to concrete to bridge cracks, in order to improve mechanical behavior from brittle to pseudo-plastic. Uniform dispersion of fibers is known to be critical, to avoid weak planes and the influence of self-compacting ability of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) on fiber dispersion has been studied and reported in the literature to some extent. A self-compacting (SCFRC) and a normal workability FRC (NFRC) was designed and tested systematically. Indirect assessment of fiber dispersion and orientation was performed by mechanical testing on small specimens, to study the influence on mechanical performance. The results show superiority of SCFRC in flexure. © RILEM 2012. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548565629 | Evaluation of community-driven smallholder irrigation in dryland South Pare Mountains, Tanzania: A case study of Manoo micro dam | Makurira H., Mul M.L., Vyagusa N.F., Uhlenbrook S., Savenije H.H.G. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.020 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands | Makurira, H., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe, UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Mul, M.L., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe, UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Vyagusa, N.F., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Uhlenbrook, S., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Savenije, H.H.G., UNESCO-IHE, Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, Netherlands | Water is the main limiting factor for crop production in semi-arid sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of community-driven smallholder irrigation schemes using micro dams under current operational practices. The research site is the semi-arid Vudee sub-catchment within the Makanya Catchment, which is part of the Pangani River Basin (Northern Tanzania). A micro dam is presented as a case study. Micro dams are popular in the study area they have water sharing system between upstream and downstream users put in place with minimum input from external agencies. The effectiveness of micro dams on dry spell mitigation is investigated. The significance of dam size, total water diverted per season, system losses and approximate amounts of water received by each farmer in a given season is analysed. Local smallholder farmers have put up the micro dams to address their need for extra water for agriculture. The capacities of the micro dams are very small but without them there is insufficient water to allocate to at least one irrigation event per farmer in a season, the dams serve a useful purpose when operated as night storage reservoirs. The study found out that the micro dam system, under current operational rules, is inefficient as the high system losses put to question the wisdom of irrigating over scattered sites as opposed to one common irrigation plot near the dam site where each participant would be allocated a small piece of land to irrigate. © 2007. | Communal irrigation; Irrigation efficiency; Micro dams; Supplemental irrigation | Catchments; Crops; Cultivation; Dams; Resource allocation; Water management; Water supply; Communal irrigation; Dry spell mitigation; Micro dam; Supplemental irrigation; Irrigation; community resource management; crop production; efficiency measurement; irrigation; semiarid region; smallholder; water availability; water planning; Africa; East Africa; Kilimanjaro [Tanzania]; Pare Mountains; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054070291 | Impacts of alum residues from Morton Jaffray Water Works on water quality and fish, Harare, Zimbabwe | Muisa N., Hoko Z., Chifamba P. | 2011 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 36 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2011.07.047 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Muisa, N., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Chifamba, P., Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe | Metal pollution of freshwater due to human activities is a major problem confronting most urban centres in developing countries. This study determined the extent to which aluminium in the residues from Morton Jaffray Water Works in Harare were affecting the water quality of Manyame River and Lake Manyame. The study also measured aluminium bioaccumulation in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) which is of importance to the commercial fisheries industry in Zimbabwe. Depth integrated water, and sediment grab samples and adult fish were collected per site in January and March, 2010. A total of six sites were selected on the Manyame River and in Lake Manyame. The levels of Total Aluminium (Al) were determined in sediments, water and fish tissues (liver, kidney, gill and muscle). Total solids, total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature were also determined in water and residues. The texture of the sediments was also assessed. Aluminium concentration in water ranged from 2.19. mg/L to 68.93. mg/L during both sampling campaigns surpassing permissible maximum concentration limits of 0.087 to 0.75. mg/L suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency and African Union. The site upstream of the discharge point of the residues always had the lowest levels though it was higher than acceptable levels indicated above, thus suggesting the existence of other sources of aluminium in the catchment besides Morton Jaffray Water Works. However, there was a 10-fold and 100-fold increase in levels of aluminium in water and sediments, respectively, at the site 100. m downstream of the discharge point on the Manyame River. Mean aluminium concentrations in water and sediments at this site averaged 68.93 ± 61.74. mg/L and 38.18 ± 21.54. mg/L in water and 103.79 ± 55.96. mg/L and 131.84 ± 16.48. mg/L in sediments in sampling campaigns 1 and 2, respectively. These levels were significantly higher than levels obtained from all the other sites during both sampling campaigns (ANOVA: p< 0.05). This also indicated that the contribution of aluminium pollution from the water works residues was higher than all the other sources in the catchment. Aluminium levels were generally in the order of; sediments > fish > water. Bioaccumulation occurred in the fish and the order of bioconcentration was; kidney > liver > gill > muscle. The amounts of aluminium in the fish tissues investigated were significantly higher (maximum. = 2.92. mg/g) than was reported in other studies reviewed (maximum. = 0.18. mg/g). Thus, the water treatment plant residues are greatly increasing the concentrations of aluminium in the water system downstream of the plant thus creating a great risk of aluminium toxicity for fish. Treatment of the residues before discharge, substitution of alum with other coagulants, and re-use of the residues in buffer strips, agricultural lands and in sewage works should be considered. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. | Alum residues; Aluminium; Bioaccumulation; Fish; Water purification; Water quality | African unions; Agricultural land; Alum residues; Aluminium concentration; Bioconcentration; Buffer strip; Commercial fisheries; Concentration limits; Fish tissue; Harare , Zimbabwe; Human activities; Metal pollution; Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus; Sampling campaigns; Sewage works; Total dissolved solids; Total solids; Treatment plants; Water purification; Water system; Zimbabwe; Air pollution control; Aluminum; Anoxic sediments; Bioaccumulation; Biochemical oxygen demand; Biochemistry; Catchments; Chemical water treatment; Coagulation; Developing countries; Dissolved oxygen; Environmental Protection Agency; Fish; Histology; Lake pollution; Lakes; Muscle; Pollution; River pollution; Runoff; Sedimentology; Sewage; Sewage treatment; Toxicity; Water quality; Water supply; Water treatment plants; Waterworks; Rivers; aluminum; bioaccumulation; commercial species; dissolved oxygen; fish; fishery; temperature; water pollution; water quality; Harare [Zimbabwe]; Zimbabwe; Oreochromis niloticus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749075996 | Impact and sustainability of low-head drip irrigation kits, in the semi-arid Gwanda and Beitbridge Districts, Mzingwane Catchment, Limpopo Basin, Zimbabwe | Moyo R., Love D., Mul M., Mupangwa W., Twomlow S. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.020 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; ICRISAT Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands | Moyo, R., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Love, D., WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, ICRISAT Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Mul, M., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, P.O. Box 3015, 2601 DA Delft, Netherlands; Mupangwa, W., ICRISAT Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Twomlow, S., ICRISAT Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Resource-poor smallholder farmers in the semi-arid Gwanda and Beitbridge districts face food insecurity on an annual basis due to a combination of poor and erratic rainfall (average 500 mm/a and 345 mm/a, respectively, for the period 1970-2003) and technologies inappropriate to their resource status. This impacts on both household livelihoods and food security. In an attempt to improve food security in the catchment a number of drip kit distribution programmes have been initiated since 2003 as part of an on-going global initiative aimed at 2 million poor households per year. A number of recent studies have assessed the technical performance of the drip kits in-lab and in-field. In early 2005 a study was undertaken to assess the impacts and sustainability of the drip kit programme. Representatives of the NGOs, local government, traditional leadership and agricultural extension officers were interviewed. Focus group discussions with beneficiaries and other villagers were held at village level. A survey of 114 households was then conducted in two districts, using a questionnaire developed from the output of the interviews and focus group discussions. The results from the study showed that the NGOs did not specifically target the distribution of the drip kits to poor members of the community (defined for the purpose of the study as those not owning cattle). Poor households made up 54% of the beneficiaries. This poor targeting of vulnerable households could have been a result of conditions set by some implementing NGOs that beneficiaries must have an assured water source. On the other hand, only 2% of the beneficiaries had used the kit to produce the expected 5 harvests over the 2 years, owing to problems related to water shortage, access to water and also pests and diseases. About 51% of the respondents had produced at least 3 harvests and 86% produced at least 2 harvests. Due to water shortages during the dry season 61% of production with the drip kit occurred during the wet season. This suggests that most households use the drip kits as supplementary irrigation. Conflicts between beneficiaries and water point committees or other water users developed in some areas especially during the dry season. The main finding from this study was that low cost drip kit programs can only be a sustainable intervention if implemented as an integral part of a long-term development program, not short-term relief programs and the programme should involve a broad range of stakeholders. A first step in any such program, especially in water scarce areas such as Gwanda and Beitbridge, is a detailed analysis of the existing water resources to assess availability and potential conflicts, prior to distribution of drip kits. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Access to water; Drip kits; Intervention targeting; Sustainable intervention; Water availability | Catchments; Food supply; Rain; Water analysis; Drip kits; Intervention targeting; Sustainable intervention; Water availability; Irrigation; agricultural development; agricultural extension; food security; irrigation; resource development; sustainability; water availability; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe; Bos taurus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33749050002 | Involvement of stakeholders in the water quality monitoring and surveillance system: The case of Mzingwane Catchment, Zimbabwe | Nare L., Love D., Hoko Z. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.037 | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Provincial Medical Department (Matabeleland South), Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Box A5225 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; ICRISAT Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Nare, L., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, Provincial Medical Department (Matabeleland South), Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Box A5225 Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Love, D., WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, ICRISAT Bulawayo, Matopos Research Station, P.O. Box 776, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Hoko, Z., Department of Civil Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe | Stakeholder participation is viewed as critical in the current water sector reforms taking place in the Southern African region. In Zimbabwe, policies and legislation encourage stakeholder participation. A study was undertaken to determine the extent of stakeholder participation in water quality monitoring and surveillance at the operational level, and also to assess indigenous knowledge and practices in water quality monitoring. Two hundred and forty one questionnaires were administered in Mzingwane Catchment, the portion of the Limpopo Basin that falls within Zimbabwe. The focus was on small users in rural communities, whose experiences were captured using a questionnaire and focus group discussions. Extension workers, farmers and NGOs and relevant sector government ministries and departments were also interviewed and a number of workshops held. Results indicate that there is very limited stakeholder participation despite the presence of adequate supportive structures and organisations. For the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), stakeholders are the paying permit holders to whom feedback is given following analysis of samples. However, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare generally only releases information to rural communities when it is deemed necessary for their welfare. There are no guidelines on how a dissatisfied member of the public can raise a complaint - although some stakeholders carry such complaints to Catchment Council meetings. With regard to water quality, the study revealed widespread use of indigenous knowledge and practice by communities. Such knowledge is based on smell, taste, colour and odour perceptions. Residents are generally more concerned about the physical parameters than the bacteriological quality of water. They are aware of what causes water pollution and the effects of pollution on human health, crops, animals and aquatic ecology. They have ways of preventing pollution and appropriate interventions to take when a source of water is polluted, such as boiling water for human consumption, laundry and bathing, or abandoning a water source in extreme cases. Stakeholder participation and ownership of resources needs to be encouraged through participatory planning, and integration between the three government departments (water, environment and health). Local knowledge systems could be integrated into the formal water quality monitoring systems, in order to complement the conventional monitoring networks. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Catchment management; Participatory management; Stakeholder participation; Water quality monitoring | Laws and legislation; Public policy; Water analysis; Water bacteriology; Water pollution control; Water quality; Catchment management; Participatory management; Stakeholder participation; Water quality monitoring; Catchments; catchment; environmental legislation; environmental policy; health impact; participatory approach; pollution monitoring; stakeholder; water management; water planning; water quality; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe; Animalia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84859608343 | Hydraulic performance of compacted foundry sand bagasse ash mixture permeated with municipal solid waste leachate | Osinubi K.J., Moses G. | 2012 | Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering | None | None | None | Department of Civil Engrg., Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810001, Nigeria; Department of Civil Engrg., Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria | Osinubi, K.J., Department of Civil Engrg., Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810001, Nigeria; Moses, G., Department of Civil Engrg., Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria | Foundry sand mixed with up to 8% bagasse ash by weight of dry soil was evaluated for use as a suitable hydraulic barrier material. Tests were carried out on the foundry sand - bagasse ash mixtures to determine the index properties and compaction characteristics. The relationship between hydraulic conductivity of the mixtures compacted using the British Standard light (BSL) energy (relative compaction = 100%) with molding water content, bagasse ash content and unit weight were determined. Furthermore, specimens were sequentially permeated with water and municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate to determine the hydraulic conductivity values of the foundry sand - bagasse ash mixtures. Test results show that the regulatory minimum hydraulic conductivity (k) value of 1 × 10 -9 m/s or lower required for a material to be used in waste containment application can be achieved when foundry sand is treated with 4 % bagasse ash, prepared at molding water content in the range 11.2 - 15.4% and compacted to a unit weight of at least 17.56 kN/m 3. Results for specimen permeated with MSW leachate showed that foundry sand treated with 4% bagasse ash met the regulatory minimum value for barrier materials. Generally hydraulic conductivity values of specimens treated with MSW decreased by factors in the range 1.12-5.71, but above 6% bagasse ash treatment the value increased by a factor of 1.32, which practically is considered insignificant. The study showed that foundry sand treated with 4% bagasse ash can be used as a barrier material in municipal waste containment facilities. | Bagasse ash; Compaction; Hydraulic conductivity; Municipal solid waste leachate | Ash contents; Ash mixtures; Barrier material; British Standards; Dry soil; Hydraulic barrier; Hydraulic performance; Index properties; Leachates; Minimum value; Molding water content; Municipal solid waste landfills; Municipal waste; Relative compaction; Unit weight; Waste containment; Compaction; Foundry sand; Hydraulic conductivity; Leaching; Mixtures; Molding; Municipal solid waste; Soil testing; Bagasse; ash; compaction; hydraulic conductivity; landfill; leachate; municipal solid waste; sand; waste facility | None |
| None | None | Child- and family impacts of infants' oral conditions in Tanzania and Uganda- a cross sectional study | Masumo R., Bardsen A., Mashoto K., Åstrøm A.N. | 2012 | BMC Research Notes | 5 | None | 10.1186/1756-0500-5-538 | Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania | Masumo, R., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Bardsen, A., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Mashoto, K., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Åstrøm, A.N., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Background: Early childhood dental caries impacts on the quality of life of children and their families. This study set out to assess the psychometric properties of an oral health related quality of life, OHRQoL, measure, based on items emanating from the Child-and Family impact sections of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), in Kiswahili and Luganda speaking communities. It was hypothesized that the Child- and Family impact scores would discriminate between children with and without clinically defined dental problems and reported good and bad oral health. Method. Kiswahili and Luganda versions of the Child- and Family impact scores were derived through translation in pilot studies. Totals of 1221 and 816 child/caretaker pairs attending health care facilities in Manyara, Tanzania and Kampala, Uganda, were recruited into the study. After caretakers completed the interview, their children underwent oral clinical examination. Results: Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was > 0.80 with respect to the Child impact score and 0.79 regarding the Family impact score. Multiple variable logistic- and Poisson regression analyses revealed that the Kiswahili and Luganda versions of the Child- and Family impact score associated in the expected direction with child's oral diseases as with their reported health and oral health status. In Manyara, multiple logistic regression revealed that the ORs of reporting Child impacts were 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-3.4) and 2.2 (1.3-3.4) among caretakers who confirmed linear hypoplasia and teething symptoms, respectively. In Kampala, the ORs for reporting Child impacts were 2.3 (95% CI 1.3-3.9), 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.5), 1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.3) and 2.7 (95% CI 1.3-5.8) among those who confirmed teeth present, hypoplasia, teething symptoms and tooth bud extractions, respectively. The odds ratios for reporting Family impacts were 2.7 (95% CI 1.5-4.7), 1.5 (95% CI 1.1- 2.1) and 4.6 (95% CI 2.0-10.7) if reporting LEH, teething symptoms and toothbud experience, respectively. Conclusion: The Child and Family impact scores demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability and reproducibility whereas the discriminative validity was more ambiguous. The OHRQoL scores should be developed further and tested among Kiswahili and Luganda speaking caretakers. © 2012 Masumo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; cross-sectional study; female; health; human; infant; male; preschool child; psychometry; Tanzania; Uganda; validation study; Adult; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Oral Health; Psychometrics; Tanzania; Uganda | None |
| None | None | Discriminative ability of the generic and condition-specific Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child-OIDP) by the Limpopo-Arusha School Health (LASH) Project: A cross-sectional study | Mbawalla H.S., Mtaya M., Masalu J.R., Brudvik P., Astrom A.N. | 2011 | BMC Pediatrics | 11 | None | 10.1186/1471-2431-11-45 | Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Clinical Dentistry-Orthodontics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Mbawalla, H.S., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Mtaya, M., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Masalu, J.R., Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; Brudvik, P., Department of Clinical Dentistry-Orthodontics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Astrom, A.N., Department of Clinical Dentistry, Community Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway | Background: Generic and condition-specific (CS) oral-health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) instruments assess the impacts of general oral conditions and specific oral diseases. Focusing schoolchildren from Arusha and Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, this study compared the discriminative ability of the generic Child OIDP with respect to dental caries and periodontal problems across the study sites. Secondly, the discriminative ability of the generic-and the CS Child OIDP attributed to dental caries, periodontal problems and malocclusion was compared with respect to various oral conditions as part of a construct validation.Methods: In Arusha, 1077 school children (mean age 14.9 years, range 12-17 years) and 1601 school children in Dar es Salaam (mean age 13.0 years, range 12-14 years) underwent oral clinical examinations and completed the Kiswahili version of the generic and CS Child-OIDP inventories. The discriminative ability was assessed as differences in overall mean and prevalence scores between groups, corresponding effect sizes and odd ratios, OR.Results: The differences in the prevalence scores and the overall mean generic Child-OIDP scores were significant between the groups with (DMFT > 0) and without (DMFT = 0) caries experience and with (simplified oral hygiene index [OHI-S] > 1) and without periodontal problems (OHI-S ≤ 1) in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. In Dar es Salaam, differences in the generic and CS Child-OIDP scores were observed between the groups with and without dental caries, differences in the generic Child-OIDP scores were observed between the groups with and without periodontal problems, and differences in the CS Child-OIDP scores were observed between malocclusion groups. The adjusted OR for the association between dental caries and the CS Child-OIDP score attributed to dental caries was 5.4. The adjusted OR for the association between malocclusion and CS Child-OIDP attributed to malocclusion varied from 8.8 to 2.5.Conclusion: The generic Child-OIDP discriminated equally well between children with and without dental caries and periodontal problems across socio-culturally different study sites. Compared with its generic form, the CS Child-OIDP discriminated most strongly between children with and without dental caries and malocclusion. The CS Child OIDP attributed to dental caries and malocclusion seems to be better suited to support clinical indicators when estimating oral health needs among school children in Tanzania. © 2011 Mbawalla et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adolescent; article; child; child health; cross-sectional study; dental caries; discriminative stimulus; female; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; malocclusion; mouth examination; mouth hygiene; needs assessment; performance measurement system; periodontal disease; prevalence; quality of life; school child; scoring system; Tanzania; task performance; validation process; clinical trial; comparative study; daily life activity; dental caries; health; health survey; multicenter study; periodontal disease; questionnaire; standard; statistics; Tanzania; Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Caries; Dental Health Surveys; Female; Humans; Male; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Diseases; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Tanzania | None |
| None | None | Dental pain, oral impacts and perceived need for dental treatment in Tanzanian school students: A cross-sectional study | Mashoto K.O., Åstrøm A.N., David J., Masalu J.R. | 2009 | Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | 7 | None | 10.1186/1477-7525-7-73 | Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Faculty of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Mashoto, K.O., Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Åstrøm, A.N., Department of Clinical Odontology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; David, J., Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Masalu, J.R., Faculty of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Background: Dental caries, dental pain and reported oral problems influence people's oral quality of life and thus their perceived need for dental care. So far there is scant information as to the psychosocial impacts of dental diseases and the perceived treatment need in child populations of sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: Focusing on primary school students in Kilwa, Tanzania, a district deprived of dental services and with low fluoride concentration in drinking water, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental pain and oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP), and to describe the distribution of OIDP by socio-demographics, dental caries, dental pain and reported oral problems. The relationship of perceived need estimates with OIDP was also investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008. A total of 1745 students (mean age 13.8 yr, sd = 1.67) completed an extensive personal interview and under-went clinical examination. The impacts on daily performances were assessed using a Kiswahili version of the Child-OIDP instrument and caries experience was recorded using WHO (1997) criteria. Results: A total of 36.2% (41.3% urban and 31.4% rural, p < 0.001) reported at least one OIDP. The prevalence of dental caries was 17.4%, dental pain 36.4%, oral problems 54.1% and perceived need for dental treatment 46.8% in urban students. Corresponding estimates in rural students were 20.8%, 24.4%, 43.3% and 43.8%. Adjusted OR for reporting oral impacts if having dental pain ranged from 2.5 (95% CI 1.8-3.6) (problem smiling) to 4.7 (95% CI 3.4-6.5) (problem sleeping),- if having oral problems, from 1.9 (95% CI 1.3-2.6) (problem sleeping) to 3.8 (95% CI 2.7-5.2) (problem eating) and if having dental caries from 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.0) (problem eating) to 2.2 (95% CI 1.5-2.9) (problem sleeping). Students who perceived need for dental care were less likely to be females (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6-0.9) and more likely to have impacts on eating (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.7) and tooth cleaning (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.6-2.5). Conclusion: Substantial proportions of students suffered from untreated dental caries, oral impacts on daily performances and perceived need for dental care. Dental pain and reported oral problems varied systematically with OIDP across the eight impacts considered. Eating and tooth cleaning problems discriminated between subjects who perceived need for dental treatment and those who did not. © 2009 Mashoto et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adolescent; article; child; controlled study; daily life activity; dental caries; eating disorder; facial expression; female; human; major clinical study; male; oral impact on daily performance questionnaire; patient attitude; prevalence; psychological aspect; quality of life; questionnaire; rural area; school child; sleep disorder; structured interview; Tanzania; tooth disease; tooth pain; urban area; validity; adult; cross-sectional study; dentistry; health; health service; interview; pain; pathophysiology; psychological aspect; quality of life; Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Oral Health; Pain; Pediatric Dentistry; Quality of Life; Tanzania; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84873831726 | Nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy impacts artesunate and dihydroartemisinin disposition in HIV-infected Nigerian adults | Fehintola F.A., Scarsi K.K., Ma Q., Parikh S., Morse G.D., Taiwo B., Akinola I.T., Adewole I.F., Lindegardh N., Phakderaj A., Ojengbede O., Murphy R.L., Akinyinka O.O., Aweeka F.T. | 2012 | AIDS Research and Treatment | 2012 | None | 10.1155/2012/703604 | Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Department o | Fehintola, F.A., Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Scarsi, K.K., Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Ma, Q., Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States; Parikh, S., Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States; Morse, G.D., Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States; Taiwo, B., Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Akinola, I.T., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria; Adewole, I.F., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Lindegardh, N., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Phakderaj, A., Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Ojengbede, O., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Murphy, R.L., Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60614, United States; Akinyinka, O.O., Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Aweeka, F.T., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States | Background. Nevirapine- (NVP-) based antiretroviral therapy (ART) and artesunate-amodiaquine are frequently coprescribed in areas of HIV and malaria endemicity. We explored the impact of this practice on artesunate and dihydroartemisinin pharmacokinetics. Methods. We conducted a parallel-group pharmacokinetic comparison between HIV-infected patients receiving NVP-based ART (n=10) and ART-naive controls (n=11). Artesunate-amodiaquine 200/600 mg was given daily for three days. Measurement of drug concentrations occurred between 0 and 96 hours after the final dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using noncompartmental analysis. Results. Comparing the NVP group to controls, clearance of artesunate was reduced 50% (1950 versus 2995 L/h; P=0.03), resulting in a 45% increase in the AUC(105 versus 69 ug hr/L; P=0.02). The half-life of dihydroartemisinin was shorter in the NVP group (1.6 versuss 3.2 h; P=0.004), but other dihydroartemisinin pharmacokinetic parameters were unchanged. A lower conversion of artesunate to dihydroartemisinin was observed in the NVP group (dihydroartemisinin: artesunate AUC=5.6 versuss 8.5 in NVP and control groups, respectively, P=0.008). Conclusion. Although NVP-containing ART impacted some pharmacokinetic parameters of artesunate and dihydroartemisinin, overall exposure was similar or better in the NVP group. © 2012 Fatai A. Fehintola et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84907667549 | Budget impact analysis of antiretroviral less drug regimen simplification in HIV-positive patients on the Italian National Health Service | Restelli U., Andreoni M., Antinori A., Bonfanti M., Di Perri G., Galli M., Lazzarin A., Rizzardini G., Croce D. | 2014 | ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research | 6 | None | 10.2147/CEOR.S68101 | Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Clinical Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University (PTV), Rome, Italy; Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy; Third Division of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; First and Second Divisions of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Restelli, U., Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Andreoni, M., Clinical Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University (PTV), Rome, Italy; Antinori, A., Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy; Bonfanti, M., Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy; Di Perri, G., Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy; Galli, M., Third Division of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; Lazzarin, A., Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Rizzardini, G., First and Second Divisions of Infectious Diseases, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, Milan, Italy; Croce, D., Department of Community Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Centro di Ricerca in Economia e Management in Sanità e nel Sociale (CREMS), Università Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, Castellanza, VA, Italy, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa | Background: Deintensification and less drug regimen (LDR) antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies have proved to be effective in terms of maintaining viral suppression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, increasing tolerability, and reducing toxicity of antiretroviral drugs administered to patients. However, the economic impact of these strategies have not been widely investigated. The aim of the study is to evaluate the economic impact that ART LDR could have on the Italian National Health Service (INHS) budget.Methods: A budget impact model was structured to assess the potential savings for the INHS by the use of ART LDR for HIV-positive patients with a 3 year perspective. Data concerning ART cost, patient distribution within different ARTs, and probabilities for patients to change ART on a yearly basis were collected within four Italian infectious diseases departments, providing ART to 13.7% of the total number of patients receiving ART in Italy.Conclusion: ART LDR simplification would have a significant impact in the reduction of ART-related costs within the hospitals involved in the study. These strategies could therefore be addressed as a sustainable answer to the public financing reduction observed within the INHS in the last year, allowing therapies to be dispensed without affecting the quality of the services provided.Results: The LDR investigated (protease inhibitor-based dual and monotherapies) led to savings for the hospitals involved when compared to the “do nothing” scenario on a 3 year basis, between 6.7% (23.11 million €) and 12.8% (44.32 million €) of the total ART expenditures. The mean yearly cost per patient is reduced from 9,875 € in the do nothing scenario to a range between 9,218 € and 8,615 €. The use of these strategies within the four departments involved would have led to a reduction of ART expenditures for the INHS of between 1.1% and 2.1% in 3 years. © 2014 Restelli et al. | Antiretroviral therapy; Budget impact model; Cost; Dual therapy; Italy; Monotherapy | antiretrovirus agent; atazanavir; darunavir; efavirenz; emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil; lamivudine; lopinavir plus ritonavir; ritonavir; antiretroviral therapy less drug regimen; Article; budget; drug cost; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; Italian National Health Service; Italy; medication compliance; national health service; nonhuman | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865058945 | Impact of health education intervention on insecticide treated nets uptake among nursing mothers in rural communities in Nigeria | Amoran O.E., Fatugase K.O., Fatugase O.M., Alausa K.O. | 2012 | BMC Research Notes | 5 | None | 10.1186/1756-0500-5-444 | Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria | Amoran, O.E., Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria; Fatugase, K.O., Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria; Fatugase, O.M., Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria; Alausa, K.O., Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria | Background: ITN use is generally poor in Nigeria among all categories of people. Although use of ITNs has been shown to reduce malarial morbidity and mortality, this measure needs to be supported by an adequate healthcare system providing ITN possibly at the household level. This study was therefore designed to determine the effect of health education on the uptake of ITN among nursing mothers in rural communities in Nigeria. Methods. The study design was a quasi-experimental study carried out in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. A multistage random sampling technique was used in choosing the required samples for this study and a semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. The intervention consisted of a structured educational programme based on a course content adapted from the national malaria control programme. A total of 400 respondents were recruited into the study with 200 each in both the experimental and control groups and were followed up for a period of 3months when the knowledge and uptake of ITN was reassessed. Result: There was no significant difference (P >0.05) observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of socio-dermographic characteristics such as age, marital status, religion, and income. The ITN ever users in experimental group were 59 [29.5%] and 138 [72.6%] in pre and post intervention period, respectively (p value =0.0001). These proportions of ITN ever users were 55 [27.5%] and 57 [31.6%] in control group, during the pre and post intervention periods (p=0.37). Post health education intervention, degree of change in knowledge of ITN re-treatment [37.0%] and mounting [33.5%], readiness to use if given free [30.5%] and belief in efficacy [36.9%] improved significantly in the experimental group while there was no significant change in the control group [p=0.84, 0.51, 0.68 &0.69 respectively]. Majority [89%] of the respondents were willing to buy ITN for between US$ 1.5 to US$ 3.0. There was no statistically significant change (P >0.05) despite intervention in the amount the respondents were willing to pay to own an ITN in both the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of ITN in the study population was significantly increase by health education and that the free distribution of ITN may not guarantee its use. Uptake of ITN can be significantly improved in rural areas if the nets are made available and backed up with appropriate health education intervention. © 2012 Amoran et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Health education intervention; ITN; Malaria; Nursing mothers; Rural Nigeria; Utilization | insecticide; adult; article; attitude to health; bed net; breast feeding; drug effect; female; health education; human; infection control; malaria falciparum; methodology; Nigeria; organization and management; physiology; Plasmodium falciparum; questionnaire; rural population; statistics; utilization review; Adult; Breast Feeding; Communicable Disease Control; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Insecticides; Malaria, Falciparum; Mosquito Nets; Nigeria; Plasmodium falciparum; Questionnaires; Rural Population | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912074752 | Evaluation of the effectiveness of peer education in improving HIV knowledge, attitude, and sexual behaviours among in-school adolescents in osun state, Nigeria | Adeomi A.A., Adeoye O.A., Asekun-Olarinmoye E.O., Abodunrin O.L., Olugbenga-Bello A.I., Sabageh A.O. | 2014 | AIDS Research and Treatment | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/131756 | Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Community Medicine, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Community Medicine, | Adeomi, A.A., Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Adeoye, O.A., Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Asekun-Olarinmoye, E.O., Department of Community Medicine, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria; Abodunrin, O.L., Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Olugbenga-Bello, A.I., Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Sabageh, A.O., Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria | Introduction. Young people are at the centre of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peer education in improving HIV knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices among in-school adolescents in Osun State, Nigeria.Methods. This was an intervention study that was carried out among in-school adolescents attending mixed secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. The study was in three stages: before intervention, intervention, and after intervention. The impact of peer education was evaluated twelve weeks after intervention. Data were collected using pretested semistructured questionnaires and data analysis was done with SPSS version 16.Results. At the preintervention stage, the study and control groups were similar in their sociodemographic characteristics, HIV knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices, including high risk behaviours for HIV/AIDS transmission. After the peer education intervention, those with good knowledge and positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS increased significantly from 50.0% to 86.7% and from 49.0% to 85.6%, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion. The study showed that peer education is effective in improving knowledge, attitude, and some preventive practices towards HIV/AIDS among in-school adolescents. Educational programmes about HIV/AIDS should therefore be designed to target this age group putting into consideration their unique characteristics. © 2014 Adeleye Abiodun Adeomi et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84920896552 | Indoor household residual spraying program performance in Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe: 2011 to 2012; A Descriptive cross-sectional study | Chimberengwa P.T., Masuka N., Gombe N.T., Tshimanga M., Takundwa L., Bangure D. | 2015 | Pan African Medical Journal | 20 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2015.20.27.4721 | Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Mhlahlandlela Building, PO Box 441, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe | Chimberengwa, P.T., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Masuka, N., Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Mhlahlandlela Building, PO Box 441, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe; Gombe, N.T., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Tshimanga, M., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Takundwa, L., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Bangure, D., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe | Introduction: Matabeleland South launched the malaria pre-elimination campaign in 2012 but provincial spraying coverage has failed to attain 95% target, with some districts still encountering malaria outbreaks. A study was conducted to evaluate program performance against achieving malaria pre-elimination.Methods: a descriptive cross sectional study was done in 5 districts carrying out IRS using the logical framework involving inputs, process, outputs and outcome evaluation. Health workers recruited into the study included direct program implementers, district and provincial program managers. An interviewer administered questionnaire, checklists, key informant interviewer guide and desk review of records were used to collect data.Results: we enrolled 37 primary respondents and 5 key informants. Pre-elimination, Epidemic Preparedness and Response plans were absent in all districts. Shortages of inputs were reported by 97% of respondents, with districts receiving 80% of requested budget. Insecticides were procured centrally at national level. Spraying started late and districts failed to spray all targeted households by end of December. The province is using makeshift camps with inappropriate evaporation ponds where liquid DDT waste is not safely accounted for. The provincial IHRS coverage for 2011 was 84%. Challenges cited included; food shortages for spraymen, late delivery of inputs and poor state of IHRS equipment.Conclusion: the province has failed to achieve Malaria pre-elimination IRS coverage targets for 2011/12 season. Financial and logistical challenges led to delays in supply of program inputs, recruitment and training of sprayers. The Province should establish camping infrastructure with standard evaporation ponds to minimise contamination of the environment. © Pugie Tawanda Chimberengwa et al. | None | dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane; insecticide; trichloroethane; unclassified drug; Article; checklist; cross-sectional study; descriptive research; female; health care personnel; health program; human; indoor residual spraying; male; questionnaire; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913529617 | Evaluation of the notifiable diseases surveillance system in sanyati district, Zimbabwe, 2010-2011 | Maponga B.A., Chirundu D., Shambira G., Gombe N.T., Tshimanga M., Bangure D. | 2014 | Pan African Medical Journal | 19 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2014.19.278.5202 | Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Department of Health, Kadoma City Council, Zimbabwe | Maponga, B.A., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Chirundu, D., Department of Health, Kadoma City Council, Zimbabwe; Shambira, G., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Gombe, N.T., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Tshimanga, M., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe; Bangure, D., Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe | Introduction: the Notifiable disease surveillance system (NDSS) was established in Zimbabwe through the Public Health Act. Between January and August 2011, 14 dog bites were treated at Kadoma Hospital. Eighty-six doses of anti-rabies vaccine were dispensed. One suspected rabies case was reported, without epidemiological investigations. The discrepancy may imply under reporting of Notifiable Diseases. The study was conducted to evaluate the NDSS in Sanyati district.Methods: a descriptive cross sectional study was conducted. Healthcare workers in selected health facilities in urban, rural, and private and public sector were interviewed using questionnaires. Checklists were used to assess resource availability and guide records review of notification forms. Epi InfoTM was used to generate frequencies, proportions and Chi Square tests at 5% level.Results: we recruited 69 participants, from 16 facilities. Twenty six percent recalled at least 9 Notifiable diseases, 72% correctly mentioned the T1 form for notification, 39% correctly mentioned the forms completed in triplicate and 20% knew it was a legal requirement to notify. Ninety six percent of respondents indicated willingness to participate, whilst 41% had ever received feedback. Three out of 16 health facilities had T1 forms.Conclusion: NDSS is useful, acceptable, simple, and sensitive. NDSS is threatened by lack of T1 forms, poor feedback and knowledge of health workers on NDSS. T1 forms and guidelines for completing the forms were distributed to all health facilities, public and private sector. On the job training of health workers through tutorials, supervision and feedback was conducted. © 2014, Brian Abel Maponga et al. | Evaluation; Notifiable disease surveillance; Sanyati; Zimbabwe | anthrax; Article; brucellosis; cholera; Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever; cross-sectional study; descriptive research; diphtheria; disease surveillance; Ebola hemorrhagic fever; epidemic meningitis; flaccid paralysis; health care facility; health care personnel; health care system; hepatitis; human; influenza A (H1N1); influenza A (H5N1); leprosy; Marburg hemorrhagic fever; plague; professional knowledge; public health service; questionnaire; rabies; severe acute respiratory syndrome; stomatitis; trypanosomiasis; tuberculosis; typhoid fever; typhus; virus hemorrhagic fever; yellow fever; Zimbabwe; animal; attitude to health; bites and stings; dog; health survey; infection control; rabies; rabies vaccine; Animals; Bites and Stings; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Notification; Dogs; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Population Surveillance; Rabies; Rabies Vaccines; Surveys and Questionnaires; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952299774 | Environmental impact of elemental concentration and distribution in waters, soils and plants along the Lokoja-Abuja pipeline routes of Bida Basin, northwestern Nigeria | Boboye O.A., Abumere I.O. | 2014 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 99 | None | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.04.008 | Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Blueback Reservoirs Ltd., 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | Boboye, O.A., Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Abumere, I.O., Blueback Reservoirs Ltd., 1 Berry Street, Aberdeen, United Kingdom | This paper presents environmental study carried out to evaluate the impacts of elements' concentrations in water, soil, plants and the level of environmental damage. This is to establish the rate of pollution and degree of enrichment to enhance delineation of highly polluted areas along the pipeline routes. It was achieved by determining their spatial distribution, concentration and/or occurrences as well as the possible sources of enrichment. Forty-six (46) surface water samples were collected during the dry season while thirty (30) surface water samples were collected in the wet season respectively. The sampling was systematically carried out at diverse locations along the streams and major rivers to broadly cover the variation in the area. Fifty-one (51) soil samples were collected during dry and wet seasons to determine the texture, heavy metal concentration and physico-chemical characteristics. Thirty (30) and twenty-six (26) samples of stream and river sediments were also collected during the dry and wet seasons for physico-chemical characterization, texture and heavy metal concentrations. Ten plant tissues were collected and analysed to ascertain the rate of absorption. The results of the surface water during the dry and wet seasons showed slight acidity while the Electrical Conductivity revealed that the major ions are higher in the dry season. The major anions and cations accounted for about 71% and 29% of the Total Dissolved Solids respectively. The higher concentrations of Fe in the stream sediments and soil than that in the water and plant tissues suggest the weathering of oolitic, pisolitic and argillaceous ironstone within the area. Concentration of NH4 emanate from anthropogenic sources. Textural classification revealed sand dominated soil which confirmed that the soil and stream sediment are autochthonous. The concentration of heavy metals and cations for both seasons in the plant tissues showed no discrepancy. The hydro-chemical facies characterization of the surface water identified two water groups of Ca-HCO3 and Na-K-Cl. The water chemistry evolution in this area is controlled dominantly by weathering and precipitation in the wet season. There is strong soil-plant relationship which is evident in their enrichment. Heavy metal distribution is generally within the acceptable limit except for few locations where Pb, Zn and Fe are of high concentration. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Autochthonous; Enrichments; Facies; Heavy metals; Seasons; Texture | concentration (composition); enrichment; environmental impact; heavy metal; pipeline; surface water; water pollution; water quality; wet season; Bida Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903709067 | Online fuzzy based decision support system for human resource performance appraisal | Samuel O.W., Omisore M.O., Atajeromavwo E.J. | 2014 | Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation | 55 | None | 10.1016/j.measurement.2014.05.024 | Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Computer Science, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku, Delta-State, Nigeria | Samuel, O.W., Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Omisore, M.O., Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria; Atajeromavwo, E.J., Department of Computer Science, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku, Delta-State, Nigeria | The evaluation of employees' performance is geared towards assessing individual's contribution to the attainment of organizational goals. Performance appraisal (PA) is a key tool in an organization due to its potency to either make or mar such organization. Irregular standards for human resource PA, tribal sentiment, emotional status of assessors, and delay in appraisal processes among others are the key problems of the conventional methods of appraising employees' performances in an organization. This research therefore proposes an online fuzzy based decision support system for human resource PA. The proposed system incorporates an efficient computational technique which handles the delays and bias associated with the orthodox performance appraisal system in organizations. The fuzzy inference system developed in this research uses Mamdani technique, Center of Gravity Defuzzification approach and takes as input the key attributes considered when appraising the performance of an employee. An experimental study of the proposed system was conducted using the dataset of academic staff. Standard statistical technique was used to measure the accuracy level of the System and the result shows that the proposed system has 0.78 probability (78%) of predicting accurately the appraisal status of an academic staff.© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Academic Staff; Fuzzy Inference System; Human Resource Manager; Performance Appraisal | Artificial intelligence; Decision support systems; Fuzzy systems; Academic staff; Computational technique; Fuzzy inference systems; Organizational goals; Performance appraisal; Performance appraisal system; Resource managers; Standard statistical techniques; Human resource management | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84918786965 | Performance modeling of proposed guiset middleware for mobile healthcare services in E-marketplaces | Akingbesote A.O., Adigun M.O., Xulu S., Jembere E. | 2014 | Journal of Applied Mathematics | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/248293 | Department of Computer Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | Akingbesote, A.O., Department of Computer Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; Adigun, M.O., Department of Computer Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; Xulu, S., Department of Computer Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa; Jembere, E., Department of Computer Science, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa | GUISET is a proposed middleware engine currently under study in South Africa. The goal is to provide utility services for small, medium, and macroenterprises in the context of mobile e-services. Three things are important to make this engine effective and efficient: the implementation, performance, and the pricing strategy. The literature has delved richly into implementation issue of similar projects. Both the performance and the pricing strategy issues have not been fully discussed especially in the context of mobile healthcare services. Some literature has addressed the performance issue using the exogenous nonpriority and the preemptive model. However, with providers offering different services using that approach may prove to be difficult to implement. This work extends existing and widely adopted theories to non-preemptive model by using the queuing theory and the simulation model in the context of mobile healthcare services. Our evaluation is based on non-preemptive priority and nonpriority discipline. Our results reveal that the unconditional average waiting time remains the same with reduction in waiting time over the non-preemptive priority model in four out of the five classes observed. This is envisaged to be beneficial in mobile healthcare services where events are prioritized and urgent attention is needed to be given to urgent events. © 2014 Alaba Olu Akingbesote et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-34548550291 | Short-term impact of sulphate mine dump rehabilitation on the quality of surrounding groundwater and river water in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe | Nyamadzawo G., Mapanda F., Nyamugafata P., Wuta M., Nyamangara J. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.043 | Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Johnson Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6420, United States; Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe | Nyamadzawo, G., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Johnson Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6420, United States, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Mapanda, F., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyamugafata, P., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Wuta, M., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe; Nyamangara, J., Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zimbabwe, Box MP, Mount Pleasant, 167 Harare, Zimbabwe | Disposal of wastes from sulphate mining operations has been a perennial problem to the environment in many countries, because these waste will continue to produce acid mine drainage (AMD) for a long time after being generated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation of a pyrite waste rock dump, which had accumulated over seventy years and covering about 5000 m2 of land, on the quality of surrounding groundwater and river water. The research was done two years after a waste rock dump rehabilitation exercise had taken place. Groundwater was sampled from monitoring wells installed on the lower side of dump and at the bank of a nearby river, while surface water was sampled from the perennial river. The water samples collected at two month intervals over a year were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulphate. Results showed a considerable decrease in pH of river water from 7.5 to 3.0 as the river flowed by the dump. One year after the re-vegetation of waste dump, the pH of river water at all sampling points were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from those obtained in the previous four years of monitoring. The EC of river water increased from 0.25 to 3.2 mS cm-1, while TDS increased from 60 to 2000 mg l-1 from the dump going downstream. Results also indicated that sulphate increased from 20 to 1500 mg l-1 from the dump going downstream and it was the chief solute constituent in river water. Groundwater measurements showed that the rehabilitation exercise had not resulted in the improvement of groundwater quality two years after rehabilitation as water pH remains very low, while EC and sulphates were above the acceptable critical limits. It was concluded that two years after the rehabilitation of the mine dump there was no improvement in the quality of groundwater or surface waters of the Yellow Jacket River. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Electrical conductivity and water pollution; Mine dump; Sulphates (pyrite) | Electric conductivity; Groundwater; Iron mines; pH; Pyrites; Rivers; Water quality; Acid mine drainage; Mine dump rehabilitation; Total dissolved solids; Tailings disposal; acid mine drainage; electrical conductivity; environmental impact; groundwater pollution; mining; pH; pyrite; river pollution; waste disposal; water quality; Africa; Mashonaland Central; Mazowe; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Yellow Jacket River; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954553994 | Evaluation of Animal Dungs and Organomineral Fertilizer for the Control of Meloidogyne incognita on Sweet Potato | Osunlola O.S., Fawole B. | 2015 | International Journal of Agronomy | 2015 | None | 10.1155/2015/725363 | Department of Crop Production, Kwara State University, Malete, PMB 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Osunlola, O.S., Department of Crop Production, Kwara State University, Malete, PMB 1530, Ilorin, Nigeria; Fawole, B., Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria | Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is an important animate pathogen causing major damage and severe reductions in the growth, yield, and quality of sweet potato. Nematicides are expensive and their application also causes environmental pollution. A field experiment was therefore conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of poultry dung (10 or 20 t/ha), cow dung (10 or 20 t/ha), horse dung (10 or 20 t/ha), goat dung (10 or 20 t/ha), organomineral fertilizer (2 or 4 t/ha), and carbofuran (3 kg a.i/ha) in the management of M. incognita on sweet potato using a randomized complete block design. The unamended plots served as control. Data were analysed using ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). All organic materials and carbofuran significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced nematode reproduction and root damage compared with control. Poultry dung (10 and 20 t/ha) and carbofuran were, however, more efficient in nematode control than other organic materials. Sweet potato plants that were grown on soil treated with organomineral fertilizer had the highest mean number of vines and fresh shoot weight, while poultry dung improved sweet potato quality and yield. It is therefore recommended that the use of poultry dung be employed in combination with other nematode control strategies to achieve sustainable, economic, and environment-friendly nematode management. © 2015 Oluremi Solomon Osunlola and Bamidele Fawole. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84922308935 | Influence of priming duration on the performance of amaranths (Amaranthus cruentus L.) in sokoto semiarid zone of nigeria | Musa M., Singh A., Aliyu Lawal A. | 2014 | International Journal of Agronomy | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/475953 | Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, CB 12 Red Building, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia | Musa, M., Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria; Singh, A., University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, CB 12 Red Building, Jalan Broga, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia; Aliyu Lawal, A., Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria | Two field trials were conducted during the 2012 cropping season at the Fruits and Vegetable Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (located on latitude 14°N-15°N and longitude 4°-5°), to evaluate the effect of priming duration on the growth and yield of amaranth. Treatments consisted of four priming durations (2, 4, 6, and 8 hours) and control (where no priming was applied). The treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times for the germination test and randomized complete block design (RCBD) for the field trial. Data were collected on days to 50% germination, percentage germination, days to 50% emergence, and percentage emergence. Results revealed significant effect of priming duration on days to 50% germination, percentage germination, and days to 50% emergence. Soaking seeds for 2 hours reduced the number of days to 50% germination and emergence and also recorded higher germination. Thus, from the findings of this study, it could be concluded that priming amaranth seeds for 2 hours could be applied to enhance amaranth production. © 2014 Mukhtar Musa et al. | None | Amaranthus caudatus; Amaranthus cruentus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921507729 | Impact of papyrus wetland encroachment on spatial and temporal variabilities of stream flow and sediment export from wet tropical catchments | Ryken N., Vanmaercke M., Wanyama J., Isabirye M., Vanonckelen S., Deckers J., Poesen J. | 2015 | Science of the Total Environment | 511 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.12.048 | Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Soil Management, Ghent University, Belgium; Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University, Uganda; Busitema University, Namasagali, Uganda | Ryken, N., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium, Department of Soil Management, Ghent University, Belgium; Vanmaercke, M., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium, Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium; Wanyama, J., Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University, Uganda; Isabirye, M., Busitema University, Namasagali, Uganda; Vanonckelen, S., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Deckers, J., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium; Poesen, J., Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium | During the past decades, land use change in the Lake Victoria basin has significantly increased the sediment fluxes to the lake. These sediments as well as their associated nutrients and pollutants affect the food and water security of millions of people in one of Africa's most densely populated regions. Adequate catchment management strategies, based on a thorough understanding of the factors controlling runoff and sediment discharge are therefore crucial. Nonetheless, studies on the magnitude and dynamics of runoff and sediment discharge are very scarce for the Lake Victoria basin and the African Rift region.We therefore conducted runoff discharge and sediment export measurements in the Upper Rwizi, a catchment in Southwest Uganda, which is representative for the Lake Victoria basin. Land use in this catchment is characterized by grazing area on the high plateaus, banana cropping on the slopes and Cyperus papyrus L. wetlands in the valley bottoms. Due to an increasing population pressure, these papyrus wetlands are currently encroached and transformed into pasture and cropland. Seven subcatchments (358km2-2120km2), with different degrees of wetland encroachment, were monitored during the hydrological year June 2009-May 2010.Our results indicate that, due to their strong buffering capacity, papyrus wetlands have a first-order control on runoff and sediment discharge. Subcatchments with intact wetlands have a slower rainfall-runoff response, smaller peak runoff discharges, lower rainfall-runoff ratios and significantly smaller suspended sediment concentrations. This is also reflected in the measured annual area-specific suspended sediment yields (SYs): subcatchments with encroached papyrus swamps have SY values that are about three times larger compared to catchments with intact papyrus vegetation (respectively 106-137tonkm-2y-1 versus 34-37tonkm-2y-1). We therefore argue that protecting and (where possible) rehabilitating these papyrus wetlands should be a corner stone of catchment management strategies in the Lake Victoria basin. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Gully; Riparian vegetation; Riverbank erosion; Runoff; Suspended sediment yield; Uganda | Catchments; Forestry; Lakes; Land use; Rain; Runoff; Stream flow; Suspended sediments; Vegetation; Water pollution; Wetlands; Gully; Riparian vegetation; Riverbank erosion; Suspended sediment yields; Uganda; Sediments; rain; runoff; gully erosion; riparian vegetation; river bank; runoff; sediment transport; sediment yield; spatiotemporal analysis; streamflow; suspended sediment; wetland; Article; banana; catchment; cropland; cropping system; Cyperus; Cyperus papyrus; environmental impact; environmental management; environmental monitoring; environmental protection; grazing; land use; pastureland; river basin; sediment transport; stream (river); swamp; Uganda; vegetation; wetland; East African Lakes; Lake Victoria; Uganda; Cyperus papyrus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897569197 | Evaluation of groundwater recharge estimates in a partially metamorphosed sedimentary basin in a tropical environment: Application of natural tracers | Oteng Mensah F., Alo C., Yidana S.M. | 2014 | The Scientific World Journal | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/419508 | Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Oteng Mensah, F., Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Alo, C., Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, United States; Yidana, S.M., Department of Earth Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | This study tests the representativeness of groundwater recharge estimates through the chloride mass balance (CMB) method in a tropical environment. The representativeness of recharge estimates using this methodology is tested using evaporation estimates from isotope data, the general spatial distribution of the potential field, and the topographical variations in the area. This study suggests that annual groundwater recharge rates in the area ranges between 0.9% and 21% of annual precipitation. These estimates are consistent with evaporation rates computed from stable isotope data of groundwater and surface water in the Voltaian Basin. Moreover, estimates of groundwater recharge through numerical model calibration in other parts of the terrain appear to be consistent with the current data in this study. A spatial distribution of groundwater recharge in the area based on the estimated data takes a pattern akin to the spatial pattern of distribution of the hydraulic head, the local topography, and geology of the terrain. This suggests that the estimates at least qualitatively predicts the local recharge and discharge locations in the terrain. © 2014 Felix Oteng Mensah et al. | None | deuterium; ground water; oxygen 18; rain; stable isotope; surface water; article; calibration; chloride mass balance technique; ecological procedures; ecosystem; evaluation study; evaporation; geology; methodology; precipitation; prediction; sediment | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-27644469154 | Gold mineralization within the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: Evidence for a modified placer origin, and the role of the Vredefort impact event | Hayward C.L., Reimold W.U., Gibson R.L., Robb L.J. | 2005 | Geological Society Special Publication | 248 | None | 10.1144/GSL.SP.2005.248.01.02 | Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, United Kingdom; Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Economic Geology Research Institute, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | Hayward, C.L., Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, United Kingdom, Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Reimold, W.U., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Gibson, R.L., Impact Cratering Research Group, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa; Robb, L.J., Economic Geology Research Institute, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa | The chemical composition of gold within the Archaean metasedimentary rocks of the Witwatersrand Supergroup displays significant heterogeneity at the micro-, meso- and regional scales. A detailed electron microbeam analytical and petrological study of the main auriferous horizons in the Central Rand Group throughout the Witwatersrand Basin indicates that gold has been remobilized late in the paragenetic sequence over distances of less than centimetres. Contemporaneous chlorite formation was strongly rock-buffered. Gold mobilization occurred under fluid-poor conditions at temperatures that did not exceed 350 °C. Widespread circulation of mineralizing fluids within the Central Rand Group is not supported by the gold and chlorite chemical data. Brittle deformation that affects most of the paragenetic sequence of the Central Rand Group late in its post-depositional history is followed by sequences of mineral growth and dissolution that appear throughout the Central Rand Group and have consistent textural relationships with gold. The consistent location within the paragenetic sequence, the wide regional and stratigraphic extent of the brittle deformation, together with mineral chemical and petrological data suggest that the Vredefort Impact Event (2.02 Ga) was the cause of this late deformation, and that post-impact fluid-poor metamorphism resulted in crystallization of a significant proportion of the gold on and within mineral grains that were deformed during this event. © The Geological Society of London 2005. | None | gold; impact structure; mineralization; ore deposit; Africa; Eastern Hemisphere; Free State; South Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Vredefort Dome; Witwatersrand; World | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857031430 | The impacts of selective logging on non-timber forest products of livelihood importance | Rist L., Shanley P., Sunderland T., Sheil D., Ndoye O., Liswanti N., Tieguhong J. | 2012 | Forest Ecology and Management | 268 | None | 10.1016/j.foreco.2011.04.037 | Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden; Woods and Wayside International, Princeton, NJ, United States; Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia; Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Kibale, Uganda; Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Yaounde, Cameroon; Technical Training and Research Centre for Development, Yaounde, Cameroon | Rist, L., Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden; Shanley, P., Woods and Wayside International, Princeton, NJ, United States, Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia; Sunderland, T., Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia; Sheil, D., Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Kibale, Uganda; Ndoye, O., Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Yaounde, Cameroon; Liswanti, N., Center for International Forestry Research, Bogor, Indonesia; Tieguhong, J., Technical Training and Research Centre for Development, Yaounde, Cameroon | The potential for combining timber and non-timber forest product extraction has been examined in the context of diversified forest management. Many tropical forests are exploited both commercially for timber and by forest-dependent communities for non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Divergences between these two uses may have significant implications for forest-dependent livelihoods. This article gathers existing examples of conflicts and complementarities between selective logging and non-timber uses of forest from the livelihood perspective. Additionally it draws on three case studies from Brazil, Cameroon and Indonesia to examine by what mechanisms, and to what extent, logging impacts forest resources of livelihood importance, as well as to consider how factors such as logging regime and forest management system may mediate such influences. By doing so we aim to shed further light on a relatively unacknowledged issue in tropical forest management and conservation.Four specific mechanisms were identified; conflict of use and the indirect impacts of logging being those most commonly implicated in negative effects on livelihood-relevant NTFPs. Eighty two percent of reviewed articles highlighted negative impacts on NTFP availability. Examples of positive impacts were restricted to light demanding species that respond to the opening of forest structure and typically represent a small subset of those of livelihood value. Despite considerable impacts on livelihoods, in all three case studies we found evidence to support the potential for enhanced compatibility between timber extraction and the subsistence use of NTFPs. Drawing on this evidence, and findings from our review, we make specific recommendations for research, policy and management implementation. These findings have significant implications for reconciling timber and non-timber uses of tropical forests. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.. | Livelihood; Multiple-use; NTFP; Reduced impact logging; Sustainable forest management; Timber | Livelihood; Multiple use; NTFP; Reduced-impact logging; Sustainable forest management; Research; Timber; Logging (forestry); community forestry; forest management; forest resource; forestry policy; indigenous population; literature review; nontimber forest product; selective logging; subsistence; sustainable forestry; tropical forest; Conservation; Forest Management; Forest Products; Logging; Brazil; Cameroon; Indonesia | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894095559 | Performance evaluation of wind turbines for energy generation in Niger Delta, Nigeria | Adaramola M.S., Oyewola O.M., Ohunakin O.S., Akinnawonu O.O. | 2014 | Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments | 6 | None | 10.1016/j.seta.2014.01.001 | Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun | Adaramola, M.S., Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Oyewola, O.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Ohunakin, O.S., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Akinnawonu, O.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | This paper evaluates wind energy potentials of seven selected locations spreading across Niger-Delta region of Nigeria using wind speed data that extend over 9 to 37. years and subjected to 2-parameter Weibull distribution functions. The performance of four wind turbine models ranging from 35 to 500. kW was simulated in all the locations considered. The results show that the performance of all the wind energy conversion systems gave the least energy output values at Ikom. In addition, annual energy output ranged from 4.07. MWh at Ikom to 145.57. MWh at Ogoja with Polaris America (100. kW) and Zeus Energy (500. kW) wind turbines respectively. It was also observed that, irrespective of the site, G-3120 (35. kW) wind turbine has the highest capacity factor among the models considered. Therefore, for wind energy development, G-3120 model or wind turbine with similar rated wind speed would be most suitable in all the locations. The number of inhabitants that can be served by the energy produced using G-3120 turbine in each location was estimated. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. | Energy output; Niger Delta region; Nigeria; Power density; Wind turbine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84927176457 | Empirical assessment of e-learning on performance in principles of economics | Aljamal A., Cader H., Chiemeke C., Speece M. | 2015 | International Review of Economics Education | 18 | None | 10.1016/j.iree.2015.02.002 | Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait; Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Central Business District, No. 33, Tafawa Belewa Way, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria; Depa | Aljamal, A., Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait; Cader, H., Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait; Chiemeke, C., Monetary Policy Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Central Business District, No. 33, Tafawa Belewa Way, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria; Speece, M., Department of Marketing, College of Business and Economics, American University of Kuwait, P.O. Box 3323, Safat, Kuwait | Abstract This research assessed the effectiveness of online assignments in principles of macroeconomics classes. Students were divided into two groups where the first was required to submit online assignments (treatment) while the other was not (control). Standardized examinations were used as Pretest and Posttest to quantify the online assignments' impact on students' performance. Results showed no significant difference in performance between treatment and control groups. Furthermore, when looking closely at students' performance within the treatment group, results indicate that neither the use of online assignments, nor the degree or intensity of their use tends to have significant impact on students' performance. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | e-Learning; Economic education; Higher education; Online assignments | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-78649778038 | Empirical modelling of the impact of financial innovation on the demand for money in Nigeria | Matthew O.A., Fasina F.F., Olowe O., Adegboye B.F. | 2010 | International Research Journal of Finance and Economics | 58 | None | None | Department of Economics, Development Studies, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Department of Banking and Finance, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Matthew, O.A., Department of Economics, Development Studies, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Fasina, F.F., Department of Economics, Development Studies, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Olowe, O., Department of Banking and Finance, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria; Adegboye, B.F., Department of Banking and Finance, College of Development Studies Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Financial innovation refers both to technological advances which facilitate access to information, trading and means of payment. The demand for money is very crucial in the conduct and determination of the effectiveness of monetary policy. This study attempts to analyse whether financial innovations that occurred in Nigeria after the Structural Adjustment Programme of 1986 has affected the demand for money in Nigeria using the Engle and Granger Two-Step Cointegration technique. Though the study revealed that demand for money conforms to the theory that income is positively related to the demand for cash balances and interest rate has an inverse relationship with the demand for real cash balances, it was also discovered that the financial innovations introduced into the financial system have not significantly affected the demand for money in Nigeria. Based on the results obtained, a policy of attracting more participants (non-government) and private sector funds to the money market is necessary as this will deepen the market and make the market more dynamic and amenable to monetary policy. Therefore, the study concludes that financial innovation has had no significant impact on the demand for money in Nigeria and the SAP era financial liberalization policies have had no indirect impact on the demand for money as well. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2010. | DD; Deposit; Interest rate; M; Money demand; Narrow money; Nigeria | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053073181 | The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Nigeria | Benjamin Badeji O., Olufunsho Abayomi O. | 2011 | International Research Journal of Finance and Economics | 73 | None | None | Department of Economics, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria; Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Ojo - Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria | Benjamin Badeji, O., Department of Economics, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria; Olufunsho Abayomi, O., Department of Economics, Lagos State University, Ojo - Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria | The paper examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in Nigeria. It also examines the locational choice of foreign investors and the viability of FDI to Nigeria using a two Stage-Least squares method of simultaneous equations. The result reveals that there exists a negative relationship between economic growth, proxied by real GDP; and FDI in Nigeria. Size of exports, exchange rate and political stability were found to be very relevant in the locational choice of foreign investment in Nigeria. To attract more FDI to Nigeria therefore, government should encourage more domestic investment, ensure political stability and make guided openness of the economy the watchword in this era of global liberalization to trade and FDI policies in order to make FDI growth enhancing in Nigeria. © EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2011. | FDI; Locational choice and viability | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84952980374 | Foamy polystyrene trays for fresh-meat packaging: Life-cycle inventory data collection and environmental impact assessment | Ingrao C., Lo Giudice A., Bacenetti J., Mousavi Khaneghah A., Sant'Ana A.D.S., Rana R., Siracusa V. | 2015 | Food Research International | 76 | None | 10.1016/j.foodres.2015.07.028 | Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Largo Papa Giovanni Paolo II, 1, Foggia, Italy; Department of Quality and Operations Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 2, Milan, Italy; University of Campinas, Faculty of Food Engineering, Department of Food Science, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, Italy | Ingrao, C., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Largo Papa Giovanni Paolo II, 1, Foggia, Italy, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, Italy; Lo Giudice, A., Department of Quality and Operations Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa; Bacenetti, J., Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, Via G. Celoria 2, Milan, Italy; Mousavi Khaneghah, A., University of Campinas, Faculty of Food Engineering, Department of Food Science, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Sant'Ana, A.D.S., University of Campinas, Faculty of Food Engineering, Department of Food Science, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Rana, R., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Largo Papa Giovanni Paolo II, 1, Foggia, Italy; Siracusa, V., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, Catania, Italy | Food packaging systems are designed to perform series of functions mainly aimed at containing and protecting foods during their shelf-lives. However, to perform those functions a package causes environmental impacts that affect food supply chains and that come from its life-cycle phases. Therefore, package design should be done based upon not only the issues of cost, food shelf-life and safety, as well as practicality, but also of environmental sustainability. For this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be applied in the packaging field with the aim of highlighting environmental hotspots and improvement potentials, thus enabling more eco-friendly products. In this context, an LCA of foamy polystyrene (PS) trays used for fresh meat packaging was performed here. The study highlighted that the highest environmental impacts come from PS-granule production and electricity consumption. In this regard, the authors underscored that there are no margins for improvement in the production of the granules and in the transport of the material inputs involved as well as of the trays to users. On the contrary, changing the energy source into a renewable one (by installing, for instance, a wind power plant) would enable a 14% damage reduction. In this way, the authors documented that alternative ways can be found for global environmental improvement of the system analysed and so for enhanced environmental sustainability of food packaging systems. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Environmental hotspots; Foam polystyrene; Life Cycle Assessment; Packaging system; Tray; Wind power | Ecodesign; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; Environmental protection; Food safety; Food supply; Granulation; Packaging; Packaging machines; Polystyrenes; Supply chains; Sustainable development; Wind power; Electricity-consumption; Environmental improvements; Environmental sustainability; Hotspots; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Life cycle inventory datum; Packaging system; Tray; Life cycle | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84941905493 | The impact of the 2014 platinum mining strike in South Africa: An economy-wide analysis | Bohlmann H.R., Van Heerden J.H., Dixon P.B., Rimmer M.T. | 2015 | Economic Modelling | 51 | None | 10.1016/j.econmod.2015.08.010 | Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University, Australia | Bohlmann, H.R., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Van Heerden, J.H., Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Dixon, P.B., Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University, Australia; Rimmer, M.T., Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University, Australia | In this paper we measure the economy-wide impact of the 2014 labour strike in South Africa's platinum industry. The strike lasted 5. months, ending in June 2014 when producers reached an agreement with the main labour unions. The immediate impacts on local mining towns were particularly severe, but our research shows that the strike could also have long lasting negative impacts on the South African economy as a whole. We find that it is not the higher nominal wages itself that caused the most damage, but the possible reaction by investors in the mining industry towards South Africa. Investor confidence is likely to be, at least, temporarily harmed, in which case it would take many years for the effects of the strike to disappear. We conduct our analysis using a dynamic CGE model of South Africa. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Computable general equilibrium; Platinum mining strike; UPGEM | 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 |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84926613321 | Constructionist career counseling of undergraduate students: An experimental evaluation | Obi O.P. | 2015 | Journal of Vocational Behavior | 88 | None | 10.1016/j.jvb.2015.03.009 | Department of Educational Foundations, College of Agricultural and Science Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | Obi, O.P., Department of Educational Foundations, College of Agricultural and Science Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria | This study used a pretest-posttest control group design to examine the effectiveness of a six-session constructionist career counseling intervention (Savickas, 2011). It was hypothesized that relative to pre-intervention scores, the participants would demonstrate decreases in their indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity about their career choices. Participants consisted of 50 undergraduates ranging in age from 19 to 25. They completed the Undergraduate Career Choice Survey (UCCS) and then were evenly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received six sessions of constructionist career counseling. Each session was approximately 45. min with a total of 4. h, 30. min approximately for the six sessions. Both groups then took the UCCS again. Analyses of the data using t-tests revealed significant reductions in indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity for the intervention group but not for the control group. The intervention group took the UCCS again eight weeks later. An ANOVA indicated that the reductions in indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, and insecurity were slightly yet significantly greater. Limitations and directions for further research were pointed out. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Career indecision; Constructionist career counseling; Narrative career counseling | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84858961003 | Evaluation of in-vitro anthelmintic activity of the roots of ziziphus oenoplia Linn, Mill. (Rhamnaceae) | Kuppuram G., Dhunmati K., Jaison D., Kousalya M., Mohammad Yaseen A., Swetha S. | 2012 | International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | 4 | None | None | Department of Educational planning, Management Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia; College of pharmacy, Madras Medical College, Chennai -600003, India; Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India | Kuppuram, G., Department of Educational planning, Management Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia; Dhunmati, K., College of pharmacy, Madras Medical College, Chennai -600003, India; Jaison, D., College of pharmacy, Madras Medical College, Chennai -600003, India; Kousalya, M., College of pharmacy, Madras Medical College, Chennai -600003, India; Mohammad Yaseen, A., College of pharmacy, Madras Medical College, Chennai -600003, India; Swetha, S., Department of Biotechnology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India | Background: Helminth infections are most common infections in man which affects a large proportion of world's population which interrupts their quality of life. The aim of this study is to prove the anthelmintic activity of the roots of Ziziphus oenoplia linn (Rhamnaceae). Methods: Four groups each containing three earthworms of approximately same size were released into 10ml of desired formulation. Each group was treated with one of the following; Albendazole 40mg/ml in Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) as standard and ethanolic extracts 5mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 50mg/ml of the root powder Ziziphus oenoplia in CMC. The time taken for the paralysis and death of earthworm by ethonolic extract was compared with that of standard Albendazole. Result: The result of this study shows that the anthelmintic activity of the drug increases with increase in the concentration of ethanolic extract of the root powder of Ziziphus oenoplia. In comparison with the standard drug Albendazole, the time taken for the paralysis and death of the earthworm by the ethanolic extract is found to be desirable. Conclusion: The present investigation proves that the alcoholic extract of Ziziphus oenoplia, exerts significant activity against roundworm infections. We hope that in future the shrub Ziziphus oenoplia will be able to replace the anthelmintic drugs which have an increased risk of drug interactions. | Albendazole; Anthelmintic; Earthworms; Ethanolic extract; Ziziphus oenoplia | albendazole; alcohol; carboxymethylcellulose; jujube extract; unclassified drug; Ziziphus oenoplia extract; anthelmintic activity; article; concentration response; controlled study; death; drug effect; earthworm; in vitro study; jujube; nematodiasis; nonhuman; paralysis; plant root; Ziziphus oenoplia | None |
| None | None | Improving the shunt active power filter performance using synchronous reference frame PI based controller with anti-windup scheme | Msigwa C.J., Kundy B.J., Mwinyiwiwa B.M.M. | 2009 | World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology | 57 | None | None | Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Msigwa, C.J., Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kundy, B.J., Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mwinyiwiwa, B.M.M., Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | In this paper the reference current for Voltage Source Converter (VSC) of the Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) is generated using Synchronous Reference Frame method, incorporating the PI controller with anti-windup scheme. The proposed method improves the harmonic filtering by compensating the winding up phenomenon caused by the integral term of the PI controller. Using Reference Frame Transformation, the current is transformed from a - b - c stationery frame to rotating 0 - d - q frame. Using the PI controller, the current in the 0 - d - q frame is controlled to get the desired reference signal. A controller with integral action combined with an actuator that becomes saturated can give some undesirable effects. If the control error is so large that the integrator saturates the actuator, the feedback path becomes ineffective because the actuator will remain saturated even if the process output changes. The integrator being an unstable system may then integrate to a very large value, the phenomenon known as integrator windup. Implementing the integrator anti-windup circuit turns off the integrator action when the actuator saturates, hence improving the performance of the SAPF and dynamically compensating harmonics in the power network. In this paper the system performance is examined with Shunt Active Power Filter simulation model. | Phase locked loop (PLL); PI; Pulse width modulation (PWM); Shunt active power filter (SAPF); Voltage source converter (VSC) | Anti-windup; Anti-windup schemes; Control errors; Feedback paths; Harmonic filtering; Integral action; Integral terms; Integrator windup; PI Controller; Power networks; Process output; Reference currents; Reference frame; Reference signals; Shunt active power filters; Simulation model; Synchronous reference frame; To a very large; Undesirable effects; Unstable system; Voltage source converters; Active filters; Actuators; Controllers; Counting circuits; Phase locked loops; Pulse modulation; Pulse width modulation; Computer simulation; Polyimides; Power converters; Power converters; Actuators | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908296039 | Performance analysis of rain rate models for microwave propagation designs over tropical climate | Obiyemi O.O., Ojo J.S., Ibiyemi T.S. | 2014 | Progress In Electromagnetics Research M | 39 | None | None | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Osun State University, Nigeria; Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Obiyemi, O.O., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Osun State University, Nigeria; Ojo, J.S., Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria; Ibiyemi, T.S., Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria | Rain attenuation is a major source of impairment to signal propagation at microwave and millimeter wave bands. The procedures for the estimation of rain attenuation values as regard to microwave signals however rely mainly on 1-minute rain rate statistics, particularly those obtained locally from experimental measurement campaigns over a given location. In this paper, we present recent results on 1-minute rain rate statistics required for satellite and terrestrial link designs, as obtained from a 2-year measurement over Akure, Nigeria. The performance of the selected rain rate models; Rice-Holmberg (RH) model, the Kitami model, Moupfouma model and the global ITU rain rate model were tested based on four metrics namely: Prediction error, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Spread-Corrected Root Mean Square Error (SC-RMSE) and the Spearman’s rank correlation. Results indicate that no single model completely outperforms all others. Interestingly, the RH model is particularly best behaved over the distribution, while the Moupfouma model performs suitably well. Others seem to vary largely from the measured rain rate distribution. Results for the rain rate exceeded for 0.01% of the time agrees with earlier estimates for the cumulative rain rate distribution derived from higher integration-time statistics over this tropical site. © 2014 Electromagnetics Academy. All rights reserved. | None | Microwave propagation; Performance analysis; Rain rates; Tropical climates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879632237 | The performance of nanogenerators fabricated on rigid and flexible substrates | Van Den Heever T.S., Perold W.J. | 2013 | Microelectronic Engineering | 112 | None | 10.1016/j.mee.2013.05.020 | Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape 7601, South Africa | Van Den Heever, T.S., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape 7601, South Africa; Perold, W.J., Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape 7601, South Africa | The manufacturing process of a zinc oxide piezoelectric nanogenerator is discussed in detail. The manufacturing of the nanogenerator on solid and flexible substrate is discussed. It is shown that the choice of substrate greatly affects the output voltage of the nanogenerator. Two main reasons for the difference in output voltage of the different nanogenerators are the method in which the nanowires are bent and the contact resistance between the nanowires and the gold electrode. The influence of these two aspects on the output voltage is discussed and the theory is shown to correctly predict the outcome. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Kapton; Nanogenerator; Nanowires; Si | Flexible substrate; Gold electrodes; Kapton; Manufacturing process; Nanogenerator; Output voltages; Piezoelectric nanogenerator; Rigid and flexible substrates; Nanotechnology; Nanowires; Silicon; Substrates | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84897383740 | Hybrid diesel generator/renewable energy system performance modeling | Kusakana K., Vermaak H.J. | 2014 | Renewable Energy | 67 | None | 10.1016/j.renene.2013.11.025 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Kusakana, K., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Vermaak, H.J., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa | A Hybrid Energy System may been defined as a system in which different energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, diesel generator, etc.) as well as energy storage systems are interconnected to meet the load energy demand at any time. Given that the electrical contribution of energy each sources (taking individually) is dependent on the variation of the resources (sun, wind, water), and since the load energy requirement fluctuates, the main attribute of such hybrid system is to be able to generate energy at any time by optimally using each energy source, and storing excess energy for the later use in deficit generating conditions. The induced optimization problem is to compute the optimal size and operation control of the system with the aim of minimizing its initial, operation and maintenance as well as replacement costs while responding to the load energy requirements.In this paper our goal will be to propose an approach for optimal operation control of a hybrid multisource system with the aim of meeting the load energy requirement with reliability and minimized life cycle costs. The paper will be limited at the problem formulation and the development of the mathematical model for the performance of all the hybrid system's components.The proposed hybrid system model is based on a description of current flows from the different power sources, taking into account the losses and the impact of the operating decisions along the way up to the loads. The decision variables include the renewable energy sources sizes and number of modules as well as the operation control settings and strategies which lead to the determination the diesel generator and battery system output power. These developed model's decision variables can then be optimized using any suitable advanced algorithm in such a way to minimize the life-cycle costs subject while satisfying demand. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Diesel generator; Hybrid system; Optimal operation control; Renewable energy | Costs; Decision making; Life cycle; Mathematical models; Optimization; Renewable energy resources; Diesel generators; Different energy sources; Electrical contribution; Energy storage systems; Operation and maintenance; Optimal operation; Renewable energies; Renewable energy source; Hybrid systems; algorithm; diesel; life cycle analysis; optimization; performance assessment; power generation; renewable resource | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84871165053 | Performance of block codes using the eigenstructure of the code correlation matrix and soft-decision decoding of BPSK | Oduol V.K., Ardil C. | 2009 | World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology | 33 | None | None | Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; National Academy of Aviation, Baku, Azerbaijan | Oduol, V.K., Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya; Ardil, C., National Academy of Aviation, Baku, Azerbaijan | A method is presented for obtaining the error probability for block codes. The method is based on the eigenvalueeigenvector properties of the code correlation matrix. It is found that under a unary transformation and for an additive white Gaussian noise environment, the performance evaluation of a block code becomes a one-dimensional problem in which only one eigenvalue and its corresponding eigenvector are needed in the computation. The obtained error rate results show remarkable agreement between simulations and analysis. | Bit error rate; Block codes; Code correlation matrix; Eigenstructure; Soft-decision decoding; Weight vector | Additive White Gaussian noise; Correlation matrix; Eigen-structure; Eigen-value; Error probabilities; Error rate; One-dimensional problem; Performance evaluation; Soft decision decoding; Weight vector; Bit error rate; Block codes; Decoding; Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79551621405 | Rainfall rate probability density evaluation and mapping for the estimation of rain attenuation in South Africa and surrounding islands | Owolawi P.A. | 2011 | Progress in Electromagnetics Research | 112 | None | None | Department of Electrical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Owolawi, P.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | The paper describes the modelling of the average rainfall rate distribution measured at different locations in South Africa. There are three major aspects this paper addresses: to develop a rainfall rate model based on the maximum likelihood method (ML); to develop contour maps based on rainfall rate at 0:01% percentage of exceedence; and re-classification of the ITU-R and Crane rain zones for the Southern Africa region. The work presented is based on five- minute rainfall data converted to one-minute equivalent using a newly proposed hybrid method. The results are mapped and compared with conventional models such as the ITU-R model, Rice-Holmberg, Moupfouma and Crane models. The proposed rainfall rate models are compared and evaluated using root mean square and chi-square (χ2) statistics. Then re-classification of the rain zone using ITU-R and Crane designations is suggested for easy integration with existing radio planning tools. The rainfall rate contour maps at 0:01% percentage of exceedence are then developed for South Africa and its surrounding islands. | None | Contour map; Conventional models; Hybrid method; ITU-R model; Maximum likelihood methods; Probability densities; Radio Planning; Rain attenuation; Rain zone; Rainfall data; Rainfall rates; Root Mean Square; South Africa; Cranes; Maximum likelihood estimation; Probability; Probability density function; Rain | 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-s2.0-84919359601 | Evaluation of optimal control-based deformable registration model | Matjelo N.J., Nicolls F., Muller N. | 2015 | Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering | 312 | None | 10.1007/978-3-319-06764-3_15 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science, National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722Somerset, West, South Africa | Matjelo, N.J., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Nicolls, F., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Muller, N., iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science, National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722Somerset, West, South Africa | This paper presents an evaluation of an optimal control-based deformable image registration model and compares it to four well-known variational-based models, namely, elastic, fluid, diffusion and curvature models. Using similarity and deformation quality measures as performance indices, Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) is applied to approximate Pareto Fronts for each model to facilitate proper evaluation. The Pareto Fronts are also visualized using Level diagrams. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. | Deformable image registration; Level diagrams; NSGA-II; Pareto Fronts; Quality measure; Similarity measure | Deformation; Genetic algorithms; Image registration; Deformable image registration; Level diagrams; NSGA-II; Pareto front; Quality measures; Similarity measure; Quality control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-48849098160 | Performance of turbo interference cancellation receivers in space-time block coded DS-CDMA Systems | Mashwama D.B., Bejide E.O. | 2008 | Eurasip Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking | 2008 | None | 10.1155/2008/473796 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Mashwama, D.B., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Bejide, E.O., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | We investigate the performance of turbo interference cancellation receivers in the space time block coded (STBC) direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) system. Depending on the concatenation scheme used, we divide these receivers into the partitioned approach (PA) and the iterative approach (IA) receivers. The performance of both the PA and IA receivers is evaluated in Rayleigh fading channels for the uplink scenario. Numerical results show that the MMSE front-end turbo space-time iterative approach receiver (IA) effectively combats the mixture of MAI and intersymbol interference (ISI). To further investigate the possible achievable data rates in the turbo interference cancellation receivers, we introduce the puncturing of the turbo code through the use of rate compatible punctured turbo codes (RCPTCs). Simulation results suggest that combining interference cancellation, turbo decoding, STBC, and RCPTC can significantly improve the achievable data rates for a synchronous DS-CDMA system for the uplink in Rayleigh flat fading channels. Copyright © 2008 D. B. Mashwama and E. O. Bejide. | None | Code division multiple access; Codes (standards); Codes (symbols); Decoding; Dielectric relaxation; Error analysis; Fading (radio); Fading channels; Information theory; Intersymbol interference; Multiple access interference; Power amplifiers; Radio interference; Space division multiple access; Space time adaptive processing; Turbo codes; Data rates; Direct-sequence code-division multiple-access; Interference cancellation; Iterative approaches; Numerica l results; Rate compatible punctured turbo codes; Rayleigh flat-fading channels; Rayleigh-fading channels; Simulation results; Space-time block coded; Space-Time Block coding; Synchronous DS-CDMA; Turbo decoding; Rayleigh fading | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-77956950520 | Enhancing PMIPv6 for better handover performance among heterogeneous wireless networks in a micromobility domain | Magagula L.A., Falowo O.E., Chan H.A. | 2010 | Eurasip Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking | 2010 | None | 10.1155/2010/274935 | Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | Magagula, L.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Falowo, O.E., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Chan, H.A., Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa | This paper analyzes the reduction of handover delay in a network-based localized mobility management framework assisted by IEEE 802.21 MIH services. It compares the handover signaling procedures with host-based localized MIPv6 (HMIPv6), with network-based localized MIPv6 (PMIPv6), and with PMIPv6 assisted by IEEE 802.21 to show how much handover delay reduction can be achieved. Furthermore, the paper proposes and gives an in-depth analysis of PMIPv6 optimized with a handover coordinator (HC), which is a network-based entity, to further improve handover performance in terms of handover delay and packet loss while maintaining minimal signaling overhead in the air interface among converged heterogeneous wireless networks. Simulation and analytical results show that indeed handover delay and packet loss are reduced. Copyright © 2010 Linoh A. Magagula et al. | None | Air interface; Analytical results; Handover; Handover coordinators; Handover delay; Handover performance; Heterogeneous wireless network; Host-based; IEEE802.21; In-depth analysis; Micro-mobility; Network-based; Network-based localized mobility management; Signaling overheads; Signaling procedure; Packet loss; Signaling; Wireless networks | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870512131 | Evaluation of demodulation algorithms for robust self-sensing active magnetic bearings | Van Schoor G., Niemann A.C., Du Rand C.P. | 2013 | Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical | 189 | None | 10.1016/j.sna.2012.10.033 | Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Van Schoor, G., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Niemann, A.C., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Du Rand, C.P., Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa | Active magnetic bearings (AMBs) play a key role in various industrial applications. In the ongoing challenge to reduce the number of external sensing devices and manufacturing costs of AMBs, self-sensing techniques have positioned themselves in a dominant role to provide sensorless estimation of rotor displacement. A self-sensing arrangement employs an estimation algorithm that uses the modulated coil voltage and current signals to determine the air gap information. However, filters in the demodulation path of the estimator introduce additional phase-shift that results in lower achievable stability margins. Furthermore, a disadvantage of modulation self-sensing approaches is that the position estimates are nonlinearly dependent on the power amplifier voltage duty cycle. This paper firstly evaluates the static and dynamic performance of different demodulation techniques via an experimentally verified transient simulation model. The direct current measurement (DCM) approach, which comprises a minimum number of filters, is proposed for position estimation of self-sensing AMBs. The DCM algorithm incorporates a novel PA switching method that only uses the bearing coil currents as input. The estimator facilitates duty-cycle invariant position estimates with minimal additional phase-shift. According to simulated as well as experimental results, the sensitivity level of this estimator is the lowest compared to the other examined techniques. A practical implementation of the DCM approach shows that robust estimation can be realized for a 10 A magnetically coupled AMB that lends itself to industrial application. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. | Active magnetic bearing (AMB); Amplitude modulation; Demodulation; Position estimation, Direct current measurement; Self-sensing | Active Magnetic Bearing; Active magnetic bearings; Air-gaps; Coil current; Current signal; Demodulation algorithms; Demodulation techniques; Direct current measurement; Estimation algorithm; Manufacturing cost; Position estimates; Position estimation; Practical implementation; Robust estimation; Rotor displacement; Self-sensing; Sensing devices; Sensorless; Stability margins; Static and dynamic performance; Switching methods; Transient simulation models; Algorithms; Amplitude modulation; Computer simulation; Demodulation; Electric current measurement; Estimation; Industrial applications; Modulation; Optical variables measurement; Phase shift; Phase shifters; Power amplifiers; Sensors; Magnetic amplifiers | 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-s2.0-84939790411 | Impacts of land tenure arrangements on the adaptive capacity of marginalized groups: The case of Ghana's Ejura Sekyedumase and Bongo districts | Antwi-Agyei P., Dougill A.J., Stringer L.C. | 2015 | Land Use Policy | 49 | None | 10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.08.007 | Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom | Antwi-Agyei, P., Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Dougill, A.J., Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Stringer, L.C., Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom | Climate change and variability continue to adversely impact the livelihoods of many agriculture-dependent households in dryland sub-Saharan Africa. Climate vulnerability is shaped by institutions and socioeconomic processes including land tenure arrangements and infrastructural development. This paper employs a participatory mixed-method approach including household questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, oral narratives and focus group discussions to understand the dynamics of livelihood challenges in 6 dryland farming communities of different vulnerability status in Ghana. Acknowledging the importance of agronomic practices as well as economic and environmental processes in influencing climate vulnerability in dryland farming systems, this paper demonstrates how the complex land tenure system is implicitly involved in shaping the vulnerability of two groups of farmers (migrant farmers in the Ejura Sekyedumase district and female farmers in the Bongo district) by limiting the adaptation options available to these groups. Our results suggest that women's rights regarding land ownership should be formalized in land policy in order to reduce cultural discriminations against them. Opportunities for women to own and formalize land registration titles should be pursued by the Government of Ghana. This will help women to secure property rights over land and land use via mechanisms such as collateral to access credit, which could be used to implement climate adaptation practices. The rights of migrant workers should also be recognized in Ghana's land policy to provide them with opportunities for adaptation in a similar manner to non-migrants. Climate change adaptation policies should also consider the broader socioeconomic and environmental factors that hinder smallholder farmers' ability to implement adaptation measures. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. | Climate change and variability; Gender; Land tenure; Livelihoods; Migrant farmers; Participatory methods; Sub-Saharan Africa | adaptive management; climate change; dryland farming; gender; land tenure; land use planning; landownership; marginalization; property rights; smallholder; vulnerability; Ghana; Tragelaphus eurycerus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-83255188950 | Impact of insecticide-treated bed nets on malaria transmission indices on the south coast of Kenya | Mutuku F.M., King C.H., Mungai P., Mbogo C., Mwangangi J., Muchiri E.M., Walker E.D., Kitron U. | 2011 | Malaria Journal | 10 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-10-356 | Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVBNTD), Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Mutuku, F.M., Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; King, C.H., Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Mungai, P., Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; Mbogo, C., Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; Mwangangi, J., Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kilifi, Kenya; Muchiri, E.M., Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVBNTD), Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Nairobi, Kenya; Walker, E.D., Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Kitron, U., Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States | Background: Besides significantly reducing malaria vector densities, prolonged usage of bed nets has been linked to decline of Anopheles gambiae s.s. relative to Anopheles arabiensis, changes in host feeding preference of malaria vectors, and behavioural shifts to exophagy (outdoor biting) for the two important malaria vectors in Africa, An. gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus. In southern coastal Kenya, bed net use was negligible in 1997-1998 when Anopheles funestus and An. gambiae s.s. were the primary malaria vectors, with An. arabiensis and Anopheles merus playing a secondary role. Since 2001, bed net use has increased progressively and reached high levels by 2009-2010 with corresponding decline in malaria transmission. Methods. To evaluate the impact of the substantial increase in household bed net use within this area on vector density, vector composition, and human-vector contact, indoor and outdoor resting mosquitoes were collected in the same region during 2009-2010 using pyrethrum spray catches and clay pots for indoor and outdoor collections respectively. Information on bed net use per sleeping spaces and factors influencing mosquito density were determined in the same houses using Poisson regression analysis. Species distribution was determined, and number of mosquitoes per house, human-biting rates (HBR), and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) were compared to those reported for the same area during 1997-1998, when bed net coverage had been minimal. Results: Compared to 1997-1998, a significant decline in the relative proportion of An. gambiae s.s. among collected mosquitoes was noted, coupled with a proportionate increase of An. arabiensis. Following > 5 years of 60-86% coverage with bed nets, the density, human biting rate and EIR of indoor resting mosquitoes were reduced by more than 92% for An. funestus and by 75% for An. gambiae s.l. In addition, the host feeding choice of both vectors shifted more toward non-human vertebrates. Besides bed net use, malaria vector abundance was also influenced by type of house construction and according to whether one sleeps on a bed or a mat (both of these are associated with household wealth). Mosquito density was positively associated with presence of domestic animals. Conclusions: These entomological indices indicate a much reduced human biting rate and a diminishing role of An. gambiae s.s. in malaria transmission following high bed net coverage. While increasing bed net coverage beyond the current levels may not significantly reduce the transmission potential of An. arabiensis, it is anticipated that increasing or at least sustaining high bed net coverage will result in a diminished role for An. funestus in malaria transmission. © 2011 Mutuku et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | insecticide; insecticide; Anopheles arabiensis; Anopheles gambiae; article; bed net; disease transmission; female; inoculation; Kenya; malaria; male; nonhuman; animal; Anopheles; comparative study; disease carrier; disease transmission; evaluation; feeding behavior; housing; human; insect bite; Kenya; malaria falciparum; methodology; mosquito; parasitology; pathogenicity; physiology; Plasmodium falciparum; population density; regression analysis; season; statistics; utilization review; Animals; Anopheles; Feeding Behavior; Female; Housing; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Kenya; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Mosquito Control; Plasmodium falciparum; Population Density; Regression Analysis; Seasons; Statistics as Topic | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84940403805 | Impact of seasonal variation on Escherichia coli concentrations in the riverbed sediments in the Apies River, South Africa | Abia A.L.K., Ubomba-Jaswa E., Momba M.N.B. | 2015 | Science of the Total Environment | 537 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.132 | Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Pretoria, South Africa; Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, PO Box 395, Pretoria, South Africa | Abia, A.L.K., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Pretoria, South Africa; Ubomba-Jaswa, E., Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, PO Box 395, Pretoria, South Africa; Momba, M.N.B., Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Pretoria, South Africa | Many South Africans living in resource-poor settings with little or no access to pipe-borne water still rely on rivers as alternative water sources for drinking and other purposes. The poor microbial quality of such water bodies calls for appropriate monitoring. However, routine monitoring only takes into consideration the microbial quality of the water column, and does not include monitoring of the riverbed sediments for microbial pollution. This study sought to investigate the microbial quality of riverbed sediments in the Apies River, Gauteng Province, South Africa, using Escherichia coli as a faecal indicator organism and to investigate the impact of seasonal variation on its abundance. Weekly samples were collected at 10 sampling sites on the Apies River between May and August 2013 (dry season) and between January and February 2014 (wet season). E. coli was enumerated using the Colilert®-18 Quanti-Tray® 2000 system. All sites tested positive for E. coli. Wastewater treatment work effluents had the highest negative impact on the river water quality. Seasonal variations had an impact on the concentration of E. coli both in water and sediments with concentrations increasing during the wet season. A strong positive correlation was observed between temperature and the E. coli concentrations. We therefore conclude that the sediments of the Apies River are heavily polluted with faecal indicator bacteria and could also harbour other microorganisms including pathogens. The release of such pathogens into the water column as a result of the resuspension of sediments due to extreme events like floods or human activities could increase the health risk of the populations using the untreated river water for recreation and other household purposes. There is therefore an urgent need to reconsider and review the current South African guidelines for water quality monitoring to include sediments, so as to protect human health and other aquatic lives. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Escherichia coli; Faecal pollution; Microbiological quality; Riverbed sediments; Seasonal variation | Effluents; Escherichia coli; Health risks; Pollution; Potable water; Rivers; Sediments; Surface waters; Wastewater treatment; Water pollution; Water quality; Water resources; Alternative water sources; Faecal indicator bacteria; Faecal indicator organisms; Faecal pollutions; Microbiological quality; Riverbed sediments; Seasonal variation; Wastewater treatment works; River pollution; river water; bioaccumulation; biomonitoring; coliform bacterium; concentration (composition); fluvial deposit; health risk; human activity; river bed; seasonal variation; sediment pollution; analytical equipment; Article; concentration (parameters); controlled study; dry season; environmental impact; Escherichia coli; feces microflora; flooding; health hazard; human activities; microbial quality; microbiological parameters; nonhuman; particle resuspension; population abundance; priority journal; quality control; river ecosystem; rural area; sampling; season; seasonal variation; sediment; South Africa; waste water management; water quality; water temperature; wet season; environmental monitoring; Escherichia coli; growth, development and aging; microbiology; river; sediment; water quality; Gauteng; South Africa; Bacteria (microorganisms); Escherichia coli; Environmental Monitoring; Escherichia coli; Geologic Sediments; Rivers; Seasons; South Africa; Water Microbiology; Water Quality | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84899033510 | The impact of antibiotics on growth in children in low and middle income countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials | Gough E.K., Moodie E.E.M., Prendergast A.J., Johnson S.M.A., Humphrey J.H., Stoltzfus R.J., Walker A.S., Trehan I., Gibb D.M., Goto R., Tahan S., De Morais M.B., Manges A.R. | 2014 | BMJ (Online) | 348 | None | 10.1136/bmj.g2267 | Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, United Kingdom; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States; University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Division of Biological Anthropology, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada | Gough, E.K., Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Moodie, E.E.M., Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Prendergast, A.J., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe, Centre for Paediatrics, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, United Kingdom; Johnson, S.M.A., Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Humphrey, J.H., Zvitambo Institute for Maternal Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Stoltzfus, R.J., Division of Nutritional Sciences, Program in International Nutrition, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States; Walker, A.S., Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, United Kingdom; Trehan, I., Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; Gibb, D.M., Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, London, United Kingdom; Goto, R., Division of Biological Anthropology, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Tahan, S., Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; De Morais, M.B., Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Manges, A.R., School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada | Objective:s To determine whether antibiotic treatment leads to improvements in growth in prepubertal children in low and middle income countries, to determine the magnitude of improvements in growth, and to identify moderators of this treatment effect. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Medline, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials, and Web of Science. Study selection: Randomised controlled trials conducted in low or middle income countries in which an orally administered antibacterial agent was allocated by randomisation or minimisation and growth was measured as an outcome. Participants aged 1 month to 12 years were included. Control was placebo or non-antimicrobial intervention. Results: Data were pooled from 10 randomised controlled trials representing 4316 children, across a variety of antibiotics, indications for treatment, treatment regimens, and countries. In random effects models, antibiotic use increased height by 0.04 cm/month (95% confidence interval 0.00 to 0.07) and weight by 23.8 g/month (95% confidence interval 4.3 to 43.3). After adjusting for age, effects on height were larger in younger populations and effects on weight were larger in African studies compared with other regions. Conclusion Antibiotics have a growth promoting effect in prepubertal children in low and middle income countries. This effect was more pronounced for ponderal than for linear growth. The antibiotic growth promoting effect may be mediated by treatment of clinical or subclinical infections or possibly by modulation of the intestinal microbiota. Better definition of the mechanisms underlying this effect will be important to inform optimal and safe approaches to achieving healthy growth in vulnerable populations. | None | amoxicillin; antibiotic agent; cefdinir; chlortetracycline; cotrimoxazole; metronidazole; penicillin derivative; placebo; polymyxin B; rifaximin; secnidazole; sulfonamide; trimethoprim; antibiotic therapy; article; child growth; clinical effectiveness; developing country; drug efficacy; drug indication; giardiasis; human; infection prevention; meta analysis; opportunistic infection; prepuberty; priority journal; randomized controlled trial (topic); risk assessment; systematic review; treatment duration; treatment outcome; treatment planning; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; Growth Substances; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908069899 | The use of the partograph in labor monitoring: A cross-sectional study among obstetric caregivers in General Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | Asibong U., Okokon I.B., Agan T.U., Oku A., Opiah M., Essien E.J., Monjok E. | 2014 | International Journal of Women's Health | 6 | None | 10.2147/IJWH.S49188 | Department of Family Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of | Asibong, U., Department of Family Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; Okokon, I.B., Department of Family Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; Agan, T.U., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; Oku, A., Department of Community Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; Opiah, M., Department of Maternal and Child Health, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Essien, E.J., Institute of Community Health, University of Houston, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States; Monjok, E., Department of Family Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria, Institute of Community Health, University of Houston, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States | Background: Prolonged and obstructed labor is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, one of the six countries contributing significantly to the global maternal mortality crisis. The use of the partograph would engender a remarkable reduction in the number of these deaths since abnormal markers in the progress of labor would be identified early on.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the non-physician obstetric caregivers’ (OCGs) knowledge of partograph use, assess the extent of its use, determine the factors that impede its usage, and unravel the relationship between years of experience and partograph use among the respondents (OCGs) in General Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.Methodology: Using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 130 purposely selected and consenting OCGs working in the General Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.Results: The majority of the respondents (70.8%) had good general knowledge of the partograph but lacked detailed and in-depth knowledge of the component parts of the partograph. Knowledge of partograph (χ2=12.05, P=0.0001) and partograph availability (χ2=56.5, P=0.0001) had a significant relationship with its utilization. Previous training (χ2=9.43, P=0.002) was significantly related to knowledge of partograph. Factors affecting utilization were: little or no knowledge of the partograph (85.4%), nonavailability (70%), shortage of staff (61.5%), and the fact that it is time-consuming to use (30%).Conclusion: Lack of detailed knowledge of the partograph, nonavailability of the partograph, poor staff numbers, and inadequate training are factors that work against the effective utilization of the partograph in the study facility. Usage of this tool for labor monitoring can be enhanced by periodic training, making partographs available in labor wards, provision of reasonable staff numbers, and mandatory institutional policy. © 2014 Asibong et al. | Knowledge; Labor monitoring; Nigeria; Obstetric caregivers; Partograph; Utilization | adult; Article; caregiver; clinical evaluation; clinical practice; cross-sectional study; female; health auxiliary; human; labor management; male; medical record; midwife; Nigeria; nurse; nursing assistant; partograph; patient monitoring; personnel shortage; professional knowledge; structured questionnaire; work experience | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70350351299 | Ownership concentration and corporate performance on the Ghana stock exchange: A panel data analysis | Bokpin G.A. | 2008 | Corporate Ownership and Control | 5 | None | None | Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Bokpin, G.A., Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, Ghana | Corporate governance is linked to corporate performance. The study examines the effect of ownership concentration on corporate performance on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Panel data covering a period from 2001 to 2006 for 28 firms were analyzed within the framework of both the fixed and random effects techniques. The results indicate that the effect of ownership concentration on corporate performance varies with the performance measurement variable. The results indicate a significant positive relationship between ownership concentration and return on assets and Tobin's Q, whilst there is negative insignificant relationship with return on equity. We also document that insider system of corporate governance is practiced on the Ghana stock exchange as shareholding is highly concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or institutional investors. Other governance features such as board size, board composition and CEO duality are all essential in predicting corporate performance. The results of the study generally support existing literature on the impact of ownership concentration on corporate performance. | Corporate governance; Ghana; Ownership concentration; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84857091316 | Impact of cypermethrin on selected enzymes in tissues of heterobranchus bidorsalis | Gabriel U.U., Jack I.R., Egobueze E., Edori O.S. | 2011 | West African Journal of Applied Ecology | 18 | None | None | Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, 50001, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, 50001, | Gabriel, U.U., Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, 50001, Nigeria; Jack, I.R., Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, 50001, Nigeria; Egobueze, E., Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, 50001, Nigeria; Edori, O.S., University of Education, Rivers State Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, 5000001, Nigeria | Heterobranchus bidorsalis (mean total length 31.50 ± 2.32 cm SD; mean weight 241.25 ± 30.39 g SD) was exposed to cypermethrin (0.005, 0.0075, 0.010, 0.125 and 0.0150 p.p.m.) for 23 days to determine the activity of transaminases (alanine transaminase, ALT; aspartate transaminase, AST) the phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, ALP in the gill, kidney, liver and muscle tissue. The activity of ALT in the gill at 0.005 and 0.010 p.p.m. were lower (P > 0.05) than the control, whereas elevated activity above the control were recorded at the other concentrations. AST activity was excited 11.36-220.45% above the control value at all the concentrations. ALP activity was inhibited below the control value with the highest inhibition, 40.46% at 0.010 p.p.m. ALT activities in the kidney at all the exposure concentrations were elevated 33.33% and 66.67% above the control at 0.005-0.010 p.p.m. and 0.0125-0.0150 p.p.m., respectively. Inhibition below the control was recorded in all the exposure concentrations for AST and ALP. ALT and AST activities in the liver were inhibited below their respective control values. ALP activity was inhibited at 0.0075 and 0.0150 p.p.m. (44.12 and 23.53%, respectively, below control value), but excited at the other concentrations with a peak, 33.83% at 0.010 p.p.m. In the muscle, 12.68% and 23.94% elevation above the control were recorded at 0.0125 and 0.0150 p.p.m., respectively, for ALT with a decrease in the lower concentrations. There was excitation of AST activity at 0.0050, 0.010 and 0.015 p.p.m., and inhibition at 0.0075 and 0.0125 p.p.m. relative to the control value. There was general inhibition of ALP activity in the muscle of treated fish below the control except at 0.010 p.p.m. The usefulness of the enzymes as biomarkers of cypermethrin toxicity appeared to be concentration and tissue dependent, and can be effectively used to assess the impact of the agrochemical on the fish. | None | Heterobranchus bidorsalis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84912553336 | Novel in situ evaluation of the role minerals play in the development of the hard-to-cook (HTC) defect of cowpeas and its effect on the in vitro mineral bioaccessibility | Kruger J., Minnis-Ndimba R., Mtshali C., Minnaar A. | 2015 | Food Chemistry | 174 | None | 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.10.134 | Department of Food Science, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS, National Research Foundation (NRF), PO Box 722, Somerset West, South Africa | Kruger, J., Department of Food Science, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa; Minnis-Ndimba, R., Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS, National Research Foundation (NRF), PO Box 722, Somerset West, South Africa; Mtshali, C., Materials Research Department, IThemba LABS, National Research Foundation (NRF), PO Box 722, Somerset West, South Africa; Minnaar, A., Department of Food Science, Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, South Africa | Cowpea is a nutritionally important drought-resistant legume in sub-Saharan Africa. It is, however, underutilised, in part due to the hard-to-cook (HTC) defect caused by adverse storage conditions resulting in seeds not softening during cooking. This study introduced a novel evaluation of the potential role that minerals play in the development of the HTC defect. The mineral distribution in the cotyledons of normal and HTC cowpeas were analysed by Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectrometry. The phytate, tannin and total phenolic contents were analysed together with in vitro mineral bioaccessibility. In HTC cowpeas, Ca and Mg were more concentrated in the cell wall-middle lamella area of the parenchyma cells. This, together with the reduction in phytate content, confirmed the 'phytase-phytate-mineral' hypothesis as a mechanism for development of the HTC defect. Despite the phytate reduction in stored cowpeas, the HTC defect decreased the bioaccessibility of Ca, Fe and Zn in cowpeas. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Calcium; Cowpea; Hard-to-cook; HTC; In situ; Iron; Magnesium; Mineral bioaccessibility; Phosphorus; Phytate; PIXE; Proton Induced X-ray Emission spectrometry; Zinc | Calcium; Defects; Drought; Electromagnetic wave emission; Iron; Magnesium; Phosphorus; Protons; Spectrometry; X ray scattering; Zinc; Bioaccessibility; Cowpea; HTC; Phytate; PIXE; Proton induced x-ray emissions; Minerals; calcium ion; ferric ion; magnesium; mineral; phytate; tannin; zinc ion; mineral; phytic acid; Article; cell wall; cooking; cotyledon; cowpea; hypothesis; in vitro study; chemistry; cooking; Fabaceae; metabolism; plant seed; spectrometry; Cooking; Fabaceae; Minerals; Phytic Acid; Seeds; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84355165233 | Kinetic optimisation of the reversed phase liquid chromatographic separation of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) phenolics on conventional high performance liquid chromatographic instrumentation | Beelders T., Sigge G.O., Joubert E., De Beer D., De Villiers A. | 2012 | Journal of Chromatography A | 1219 | None | 10.1016/j.chroma.2011.11.012 | Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Beelders, T., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Sigge, G.O., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Joubert, E., Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa, Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; De Beer, D., Post-Harvest and Wine Technology Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; De Villiers, A., Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa | Rooibos tea, produced from the endemic South African shrub Aspalathus linearis, has various health-promoting benefits which are attributed to its phenolic composition. Generating reliable, quantitative data on these phenolic constituents is the first step towards documenting the protective effects associated with rooibos tea consumption. Reversed phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) methods currently employed in the quantitative analysis of rooibos are, however, hampered by limited resolution and/or excessive analysis times. In order to overcome these limitations, a systematic approach towards optimising the RP-LC separation of the 15 principal rooibos tea phenolics on a 1.8μm phase using conventional HPLC instrumentation was adopted. Kinetic plots were used to obtain the optimal configuration for the separation of the target analytes within reasonable analysis times. Simultaneous optimisation of temperature and gradient conditions provided complete separation of these rooibos phenolics on a 1.8μm C18 phase within 37. min. The optimised HPLC-DAD method was validated and successfully applied in the quantitative analysis of aqueous infusions of unfermented and fermented rooibos. Major phenolic constituents of fermented rooibos were found to be a phenylpropanoid phenylpyruvic acid glucoside (PPAG), the dihydrochalcone C-glycoside aspalathin, the flavones isoorientin and orientin, and a flavonol O-diglycoside tentatively identified as quercetin-3- O-robinobioside. Content values for PPAG, ferulic acid and quercetin-3- O-robinobioside in rooibos are reported here for the first time. Mass spectrometric (MS) and tandem MS detection were used to tentatively identify 13 additional phenolic compounds in rooibos infusions, including a new luteolin-6- C-pentoside-8- C-hexoside and a novel C-8-hexosyl derivative of aspalathin reported here for the first time. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. | High performance liquid chromatography; Kinetic plots; Mass spectrometry; Phenolic compounds; Rooibos tea | Ferulic acids; HPLC-DAD; Isoorientin; Kinetic plots; Limited resolution; Optimal configurations; Optimisations; Phenolic composition; Phenolic compounds; Phenolics; Phenylpropanoids; Protective effects; Quantitative data; Reversed phase; Rooibos tea; Tandem MS; Target analytes; Chromatography; Fatty acids; High performance liquid chromatography; Kinetics; Liquids; Mass spectrometry; Optimization; Separation; Sugars; Phenols; aspalathin; ferulic acid; isoorientin; orientin; phenol derivative; phenylpropanoid phenylpyruvic acid glucoside; quercetin 3 o robinobioside; unclassified drug; aqueous solution; article; Aspalathus; Aspalathus linearis; controlled study; fermentation; high performance liquid chromatography; kinetics; mass spectrometry; nonhuman; priority journal; process optimization; quantitative analysis; reversed phase liquid chromatography; rooibos tea; tandem mass spectrometry; tea; temperature; validation study; Aspalathus; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromatography, Reverse-Phase; Flavonoids; Glycosides; Kinetics; Linear Models; Phenols; Plant Extracts; Reproducibility of Results; Temperature; Aspalathus linearis | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84925738883 | Municipal household solid waste collection strategies in an African megacity: Analysis of public private partnership performance in Lagos | Aliu I.R., Adeyemi O.E., Adebayo A. | 2014 | Waste Management and Research | 32 | None | 10.1177/0734242X14544354 | Department of Geography and Planning, Lagos State University, PMB 1087, Apapa Ojo-Lagos, Nigeria; Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, Ojo-Lagos, Nigeria | Aliu, I.R., Department of Geography and Planning, Lagos State University, PMB 1087, Apapa Ojo-Lagos, Nigeria; Adeyemi, O.E., Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, Ojo-Lagos, Nigeria; Adebayo, A., Department of Geography and Planning, Lagos State University, PMB 1087, Apapa Ojo-Lagos, Nigeria | Managing municipal solid waste is a pervasive urban problem globally. While several strategies have been applied for efficient municipal solid waste management in developing economies, their performance level has not been critically investigated. Among these strategies, the public private partnership has widest appeal. This study examines the performance of public private partnership in household solid waste collection in Lagos, Nigeria. We collected primary data using a municipal solid waste survey in three residential density areas of Lagos megacity. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Two indexes of service performance, namely the service reliability index and operational quality index, were created to produce evidence on public private partnership performance in municipal solid waste collection in Lagos. Results show that the average amount of household solid waste generation per week ranges between 22.75 kg in the medium residential density area and 30.39 kg in the high residential density region of the city. The estimated per capita waste generated in Lagos Megacity is 0.95 kg day-1. Regression models indicate that the public private partnership performance is significantly influenced by economic status, affordability, flexibility, consistency, cleanliness, coverage and accessibility, as well as number of waste collection vehicles, vehicle maintenance, capacity, trip rate, frequency, number of personnel and quality of personnel. Findings from this study reveal that Lagos residents have strong positive perception of public private partnership as a waste collection policy framework. The study has important policy and practical implications for urban waste management, public health and sustainability in developing economies. © The Author(s) 2014. | Developing economies; Lagos megacity; Municipal solid waste; Operational quality; Public private partnership; Service reliability; Waste management | Airships; Housing; Regression analysis; Solid wastes; Surveys; Waste management; Developing economies; Megacities; Operational quality; Public private partnerships; Service reliability; Municipal solid waste; economic development; environmental economics; megacity; municipal solid waste; numerical model; perception; performance assessment; policy making; public-private partnership; sustainability; urban development; waste management; Article; domestic waste; municipal solid waste; organization and management; priority journal; public health; public-private partnership; social status; solid waste; solid waste management; city; economics; family size; Nigeria; procedures; regression analysis; socioeconomics; statistics and numerical data; waste disposal; Lagos [Lagos (STT)]; Lagos [Nigeria]; Nigeria; solid waste; Cities; Family Characteristics; Nigeria; Public-Private Sector Partnerships; Refuse Disposal; Regression Analysis; Socioeconomic Factors; Solid Waste | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84875651218 | Evaluation of adjuvants for enhanced management of Podosphaera xanthii using potassium silicate and biocontrol agents | Tesfagiorgis H.B., Annegarn H.J. | 2013 | Crop Protection | 48 | None | 10.1016/j.cropro.2013.03.002 | Department of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 425, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa | Tesfagiorgis, H.B., Department of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 425, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa; Annegarn, H.J., Department of Geography Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 425, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa | Three adjuvants [polyether-polymethylsiloxane-copolymer (Break-Thru®), alkoxylated fatty alkylamine polymer/ethoxylated sorbitane ester (Partner 650®) and polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate (Tween-80®)] were compared for their ability to improve the efficacy of potassium silicate and biocontrol agents (BCAs) against powdery mildew of zucchini caused by Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff. The most effective adjuvant was investigated for its direct impact on the pathogen and deposition of BCAs using electron microscopy and its compatibility with the BCAs and zucchini plant was evaluated to establish an integrated management of powdery mildew. Furthermore, effects of Si spray in accumulation of Si and K in the leaves were measured. Break-Thru® and Partner 650® improved the efficacy of silicate by 18-35%. The best adjuvant, Break-Thru®, caused a collapse and degeneration of the conidia and hyphae of the pathogen, restricted growth and spread of the powdery mildew colonies by binding its propagative structures, and improved deposition of BCAs on the leaf surface and the fungus. Break-Thru® was compatible with the plant and the BCAs at concentrations <0.4 ml l-1, and can be used with selected BCAs and SiO2 for an integrated management of powdery mildew. SiO2 applied as a foliar spray increased the level of Si in zucchini leaves, which may contribute to systemic resistance of the plant against the disease. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Adjuvant; Biocontrol agents; Podosphaera xanthii; Potassium silicate; Powdery mildew; Zucchini | biocontrol agent; deposition; disease control; electron microscopy; fungus; growth rate; integrated approach; pathogen; plant community; Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo; Erysiphales; Fungi; Podosphaera xanthii | None |
| None | None | Socio-economic impacts of irrigated agriculture in Mbarali District of south-west Tanzania | Mwakalila S. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.021 | Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35049, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Mwakalila, S., Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35049, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Irrigation has been found to be central in curbing food scarcity not only in Tanzania but also in many other developing countries. It has been proved that continued reliability on rainfall in agriculture cannot sustain the increase in population. This study examines the impacts of smallholder irrigated agriculture in improving social and economic benefits in Igurusi Ward of Mbarali District which is located in the southern-western part of Tanzania. The study applies the Participatory Rural Appraisal Framework for data collection. The study was confined to five villages in Igurusi ward which are Majenje, Igurusi, Chamoto, Uhambule and Mahango. The study examined critically paddy production for smallholder farmers that practice irrigation and those who cultivates rain-fed paddy. The study examined both existing traditional and modern irrigation systems. It was found that, most of the respondents (79%) practice irrigated agriculture in paddy production while the remaining 21% practice rain-fed agriculture. Forty percent of households that practice irrigated agriculture harvest paddy two seasons per year. The return to labour in paddy production for smallholder farmers who irrigate their paddy fields is about US $ 2.5/manday which is above the poverty line of US $ 1.0/day. The smallest return to labour (US $ 0.85/manday) is obtained by an average smallholder farmer who cultivates rain-fed paddy using hand hoe and family labour. The potential implication of the current irrigation systems is that if irrigation is managed properly it may lead to sustainable increases in small farmer's productivity and income, thus alleviating rural poverty. © 2006. | Gross margins; Irrigated agriculture; Poverty alleviation; Socio-economic benefits | Developing countries; Economic and social effects; Information science; Reliability; Gross margins; Irrigated agriculture; Poverty alleviation; Socio-economic benefits; Irrigation; agriculture; irrigation; paddy farming; poverty alleviation; smallholder; socioeconomic impact; Africa; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| None | None | Residents' perceptions of institutional performance in water supply in Dar es Salaam | Mwakalila S. | 2007 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 32 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2007.07.037 | Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35049, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Mwakalila, S., Department of Geography, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35049, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | This paper addresses the performance of institutions in water supply systems for improving social and economic benefits of people living in Dar es Salaam city. The methods employed in field data and information collection included interviews, questionnaire, focus group discussions and participatory observation. Kinondoni and Ilala Districts were used as case study. The study revealed that, the main water sources in the study areas are boreholes, shallow wells, rain water and water vendors. Other minor sources are piped water and natural water sources, such as rivers and streams. The supply of piped water by Dar es Salaam Water Sewerage and Sanitation Company (DAWASA/DAWASCO) meets only 45% of the total water demands. Individuals own and sell water from boreholes, shallow wells, piped water connected to their individual houses and natural wells located in their individual plots. The price of one 20 l bucket of water from a water vendor depends on the availability of water and the distance walked from the water source to the customer. Majority of the respondents (77.5%) indicated that individual water delivery systems provide sufficient water as compared to five years ago in the study areas. Few of the respondents (6.3%) said individual water delivery systems have no capacity to provide sufficient water while 16.3% indicate that individual water delivery systems provide moderate water supply but are important in supplementing other water providers in the study areas. The study reveals that a majority of the local population are satisfied with the capacity of individual water delivery systems in providing water for household uses. This paper recommends some improvements to be done to water supply systems in the Dar es Salaam city. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Piped water; Shallow wells; Water delivery systems; Water vendors | Boreholes; Economic and social effects; Rain; Rivers; Water supply; Water wells; Shallow well; Water delivery system; Water demand; Water distribution systems; artesian well; drinking water; performance assessment; water availability; water demand; water industry; water management; water supply; Africa; Dar es Salaam [Dar es Salaam (RGA)]; Dar es Salaam [Tanzania]; East Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Tanzania | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84937865051 | Integrating community perceptions and cultural diversity in social impact assessment in Nigeria | Nzeadibe T.C., Ajaero C.K., Okonkwo E.E., Okpoko P.U., Akukwe T.I., Njoku-Tony R.F. | 2015 | Environmental Impact Assessment Review | 55 | None | 10.1016/j.eiar.2015.07.005 | Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Demography and Population Studies Programme, The University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Depart | Nzeadibe, T.C., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ajaero, C.K., Demography and Population Studies Programme, The University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa; Okonkwo, E.E., Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Okpoko, P.U., Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Akukwe, T.I., Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Njoku-Tony, R.F., Department of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria | The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 1992 aimed to make the environment a central theme in development in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the extent of engagement with local cultures in the Nigerian EIA process is not statutorily guaranteed. While most EIAs in Nigeria have been for oil and gas projects in the Niger Delta, and have focused strongly on the biophysical environment, socio-economic and cultural aspects have remained marginal. The palpable neglect of community perceptions and cultural diversity in social impact assessment (SIA) in this region prone to conflict has tended to alienate the people in the decision-making process. Thus, despite claims to compliance with regulatory requirements for EIAs, and numerous purported sustainable development initiatives by international oil companies (IOCs), the region continues to face multiple sustainability challenges. This paper situates local perceptions and cultural diversity in participatory development and canvasses the integration of community perceptions and cultural diversity into SIA in the Niger Delta region. It is argued that doing this would be critical to ensuring acceptance and success of development actions within the context of local culture while also contributing to sustainable development policy in the region. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. | Community perceptions; Cultural diversity; Niger Delta; Social impact assessment; Sustainable development | Behavioral research; Decision making; Environmental impact; Environmental impact assessments; Planning; Regulatory compliance; Social sciences; Sustainable development; Biophysical environments; Community perceptions; Cultural diversity; Environmental impact assessments (EIA); International oil companies; Niger Delta; Regulatory requirements; Social impact assessments; Economic and social effects; decision making; environmental impact assessment; integrated approach; participatory approach; perception; policy making; social impact assessment; sustainable development; Niger Delta; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84894298159 | Geotechnical and mineralogical evaluation of some lateritic soils from Southwestern Nigeria | Omoniyi I.O., Olufemi O., Abdulwahid A.K. | 2014 | Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering | None | None | None | Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Omoniyi, I.O., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Olufemi, O., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Abdulwahid, A.K., Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | Four lateritic soil samples derived from different parent rocks were examined for their suitability as construction materials. All analyses were carried out in accordance with BSI standard. Results showed that soil samples from migmatite gneiss, quartz schist and amphibolites are siltysands while the granite derived soil is siltyclay. All samples have low to intermediate plasticity. The cohesion values of the soils are between 50kPa and 80kPa at standard Proctor compaction energy while it is between 30kPa and 75kPa at modified Proctor compaction energy. Also, the angle of internal friction varies from 11° to 24° and from 14° to 24° for standard and modified compaction energies respectively. The coefficients of permeability of the soils fall between 10-8m/s and 10-9m/s making them practically impermeable. The mineralogy of the soil showed that they contain no undesirable mineral constituent as they contain mainly quartz. The results of the compaction and CBR showed that the samples are suitable for use as subgrade and fill materials. The grain size distribution values, Atterberg limits and coefficient of permeability of the soils make them suitable for use as liners in waste disposal systems. The angle of internal friction and cohesion of the soils means the soils could also support shallow foundations and could also support moderately steep slopes. This geotechnical information is important for foundation design for future development of the sampled localities. © 2013, EJGE. | Coefficient of permeability; Compaction; Geotechnical properties; Mineralogy; Particle size analysis | Adhesion; Compaction; Friction; Grain size and shape; Internal friction; Mineralogy; Minerals; Particle size; Particle size analysis; Quartz; Soil surveys; Structural design; Waste disposal; Angle of internal friction; Coefficient of permeability; Geotechnical information; Geotechnical properties; Grain size distribution; Southwestern nigeria; Standard Proctor compaction; Waste disposal systems; Soils; compaction; geotechnical engineering; geotechnical property; laterite; mineralogy; particle size; permeability; Nigeria | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84888200858 | Quantitative clay mineralogy of a Vertic Planosol in southwestern Ethiopia: Impact on soil formation hypotheses | Dumon M., Tolossa A.R., Capon B., Detavernier C., Van Ranst E. | 2014 | Geoderma | None | None | 10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.09.012 | Department of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Natural Resources Management, Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia; Department of Solid State Sciences (WE04), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | Dumon, M., Department of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Tolossa, A.R., Department of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium, Department of Natural Resources Management, Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Ethiopia; Capon, B., Department of Solid State Sciences (WE04), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Detavernier, C., Department of Solid State Sciences (WE04), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S1, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Van Ranst, E., Department of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium | Planosols, characterised by a bleached, silt-textured surface horizon abruptly overlying a dense, clayey subsoil, are a very common soil type in Ethiopia. The origin of the abrupt textural change is still often debated in literature. One of the processes frequently put forward to explain the coarse textured material in the topsoil is 'ferrolysis': an oxidation-reduction sequence driven by bacterial decomposition of soil organic matter, resulting in the destruction of open 2:1 clay minerals. Recent studies of representative profiles of Vertic Planosols in south-western Ethiopia indicate that these soils are composed of a weathered volcanic ash layer deposited on top of a deflated vertic subsoil, which refutes the ferrolysis hypothesis. To strengthen the geogenetic origin of these profiles, a quantitative mineralogical analysis of the clay fraction was undertaken.Results of a sequential fractionation revealed a strong aggregation of clay particles in the bleached horizon, while the effect of aggregation was far more limited in the vertic horizon. This is believed to be related to the dispersed, impregnative nature of iron oxides in the bleached horizon, compared to the segregated nature of the sharp, nodular concretions found in the vertic horizon. The annealing XRD analysis revealed only minor changes in dehydroxylation temperatures of kaolinites and 2:1 minerals between untreated and DCB-treated samples, indicating that the pretreatment did not significantly alter the mineral lattices. Multi-specimen, full-profile fitting of XRD patterns revealed no large quantitative differences between sub-fractions of the bleached and vertic horizons, although a net increase of 1:1 layers over 2:1 layers towards the top of the profile can be observed in the bleached horizon. This could be interpreted as the result of neo-formation of kaolinite. The main mineralogical differences between the bleached and vertic horizons of the <. 2. μm fraction are mainly a result of the different proportions of sub-fractions. Interestingly, the <. 0.05. μm fraction seems to be dominated by a complex assemblage of kaolinite and smectite mixed-layer minerals. The obtained detailed view on the mineralogical composition of the clay fraction of a typical Vertic Planosol has provided new insights in the complex nature of these duplex soils, confirming ferrolysis not to be at the origin of the abrupt textural change. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Clay mineralogy; Ethiopia; Ferrolysis; Fractionation; Planosol; Quantitative | Clay mineralogy; Ethiopia; Ferrolysis; Planosol; Quantitative; Agglomeration; Cleaning; Fractionation; Kaolinite; Minerals; Soils; Bleaching; clay mineral; fractionation; Planosol; quantitative analysis; silt; soil horizon; soil organic matter; soil texture; soil type; subsoil; volcanic ash; X-ray diffraction; Ethiopia; Bacteria (microorganisms) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904052572 | Impact of wellsite biostratigraphy on exploration drilling in the deepwater offshore Nigeria | Fadiya S.L. | 2014 | Journal of African Earth Sciences | 100 | None | 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2014.06.009 | Department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | Fadiya, S.L., Department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria | The application of wellsite biostratigraphic technique has aided the reconstruction of the subsurface geology in the Nigerian deepwater region. It has further aided decision making during drilling operations including the planning of well paths. Critical decisions regarding casing setting, coring point selection, overpressure zone determination and total depth picks, are easily achieved through confirmation of well prognosis and correlation to offset wells. This technique is very important in the tectonically active Nigerian deepwater region which is characterized by varying degrees of both syn-depositional and post-depositional deformation. Accurate interpretation of basin architecture, lateral variation and facies change is required before drilling. Confirmation of well prognosis during drilling operation is equally important.It has been proved that wellsite biostratigraphic technique helps to "get it right at first" when integrated with the traditional lithologic description, log signature correlation and seismic profile interpretations. The modern and rapid processing technique of calcareous nannofossil, for instance, provides 'real time' result for the exploration team for confirmation of, or adjustment to, the drilling program. The attendant contribution in saved time, cost and safe and successful drilling operation makes the technique beneficial for all operators.This paper presents practical experience of wellsite biostratigraphy application in three oil prolific Nigerian deepwater regions: the Niger Delta, Joint Development zone of Nigeria/Sao Tome and Principe area (JDZ) and Benin (Dahomey) Basin. © 2014 The Authors. | Biostratigraphy; Calcareous nannofossils; Deepwater; Exploration; Niger Delta; Wellsite | biostratigraphy; decision making; deep water; drilling; fossil assemblage; fossil record; hydrocarbon exploration; hydrocarbon reservoir; nanofossil; oil well; paleoenvironment; basin analysis; deep drilling; exploration; lithology; Atlantic Ocean; Brazil; Dahomey Basin; Gulf of Guinea; Niger Delta; Nigeria; Parana [Brazil]; Principe; Sao Tome and Principe; Sao Tome Basin | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-70349931435 | Impact of gold mining on soil and some staple foods collected from selected mining communities in and around tarkwa-prestea area | Hayford E.K., Amin A., Osae E.K., Kutu J. | 2009 | West African Journal of Applied Ecology | 14 | None | None | Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Environmental Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Physics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | Hayford, E.K., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Amin, A., Department of Environmental Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Osae, E.K., Department of Physics, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Kutu, J., Department of Geology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana | The principle of neutron activation was used to investigate the presence of toxic elements and possible heavy metals in samples of cassava, plantain and soil from the mining communities in and around Tarkwa in the Western Region of Ghana. The results showed that the maximum concentrations of the respective metals in cassava: plantain: soil samples were arsenic (As = 0.7 μg/g:0.25 μg/g:14.35 μg/g), mercury (Hg = 0.25 μg/g:0.52 μg/g:0.09 μg/g), antimony (Sb = 0.03 μg/g: 0.03 μg/g: 2.98 μg/g), chromium (Cr = 0.72 μg/g:3.42 μg/g:40.35 μg/g), vanadium (V = 0.8 μg/g:0.76 μg/g:188.40 μg/g), zinc (Zn = 38.42 μg/g:24.92 μg/g:42.36 μg/g), and copper (Cu = 66.39 μg/g: 8.74 μg/g: 53.46 μg/g). The concentrations in cassava and plantain were higher than the values proposed by the FAO, the Expert Committee on Food Additives of the WHO and the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The concentrations of Hg (0,09 μg/g) in soil at Teberebie and of V (188.40ìg/g) at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in soil were above the permitted concentrations of 5 μg/g and 90 μg/g, respectively. Samples from communities further away from the centres of mine drainages (mile 81/2, mile 101/2) had smaller values of element concentrations. An enrichment factor (EF) analysis for both cassava and plantain were Zn (7%) and Hg (90%). The remaining elements together add up to 3%. The enrichment factor analysis for plantain is greater than that for cassava. Mercury is the element that is chiefly enriched in both cassava and plantain. The second predominant element enriched in cassava and plantain is zinc. | None | Manihot esculenta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84861190663 | Holocene human occupation of the eastern Nigerian scarp lands: An impact assessment study | Umeji O.P., Ibeanu A.M., Agwu C.O.C. | 2012 | Quaternary International | 262 | None | 10.1016/j.quaint.2010.10.024 | Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Department of Archaeology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of Botany, Kogi State University, Ayangba, Nigeria | Umeji, O.P., Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria; Ibeanu, A.M., Department of Archaeology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Agwu, C.O.C., Department of Botany, Kogi State University, Ayangba, Nigeria | Palynological results from the 3000 BC archaeological sites on the Udi-Okigwe plateau have shown evidence of deforestation linked to two human activities: iron smelting, and agriculture with bush burning. The purpose of this paper is to use the palynomorphs recovered from the excavated cave deposits to assess the climate as well as vegetation change from tree- to grass-type, given the presence nearby, of hand-axe factories and iron-smelting sites; and to assess the impact of human activities on the environment during the Holocene. Pollen of plants associated with human impact was used to assess human influence on the vegetation.Despite climatic wetness indicated by fungal, club moss and fern spores, there was an increase in grass pollen resulting from human forest clearance which caused artificial environmental aridity rather than a true climate change. Selective felling of hard wood for fuel in the iron-smelting industry could have left open spaces which were colonized by the palm, . Elaeis guineensis, to produce the 'oil-palm bush' anthropogenic climax vegetation. The itinerant mode of practice by the smelters must have caused an extensive devastation of the rainforest as the lateritic subsoil was dug up and the hardwood selectively felled from place to place. The caves, hand-axe quarry and factory sites, as well as iron-smelting sites are all closely situated along the plateau. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. | None | anthropogenic effect; archaeological evidence; aridity; cave deposit; climate variation; Holocene; human activity; human settlement; paleoclimate; paleoenvironment; palynology; palynomorph; pollen; settlement history; vegetation dynamics; Nigeria; Elaeis; Elaeis guineensis; Filicophyta; Lycopodiophyta | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-33748902768 | Zimbabwean mine dumps and their impacts on river water quality - a reconnaissance study | Meck M., Love D., Mapani B. | 2006 | Physics and Chemistry of the Earth | 31 | None | 10.1016/j.pce.2006.08.029 | Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Geology Department, University of Namibia, P. Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia | Meck, M., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Love, D., Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe, WaterNet, P.O. Box MP600, Mt . Pleasant Harare,, Zimbabwe; Mapani, B., Geology Department, University of Namibia, P. Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia | Zimbabwe has a substantial number of mines and 67 minerals have been mined in the country since 1900 but at present only 30 different minerals are being mined. Exploitation of a variety of ores, in rocks of diverse composition, provides the potential for a range of pollution problems. The severity and extent of contamination differs with the type of minerals mined. This paper presents part of the results of a broad study, carried out across Zimbabwe, which assessed the potential of different mine tailings dumps to cause environmental problems. The dumps considered in the study were divided into six dump types, namely: gold-mine dumps, base-metal mine dumps (dumps associated with the mining of nickel, zinc, copper and lead), minor-metals mine dumps (dumps associated with mining of antimony, arsenic, and selenium), platinum-group metal mine dumps, chromite and asbestos mine dumps, and sulphur (pyrite) mine dumps. The elemental chemistry of the dumps and physical characteristics (pH, total dissolved solids) of the dumps, tailings' leachates, and stream waters around the dumps were used to assess the potential of the dumps to pollute water bodies. Samples were collected in both the dry and wet seasons. The dispersion and pollution patterns were derived from Eh-pH conditions around the dumps after considering the mobility of the elements present in these dumps under different Eh-pH conditions. In this paper potential to pollute is considered as the likelihood of the elements to disperse under the prevailing conditions at the dump. The concentrations of elements, type of elements and the potential dispersion and pollution patterns from each dump were used to characterise potential risk of water pollution associated with the different dump types. The results showed a slight increase in concentrations of most elements studied in downstream waters compared to upstream waters. The dump conditions varied from acidic to alkaline, and so the elements studied have different mobilities in different dumps. The elements that pose environmental risks differed from one dump type to another thus different dumps have different potentials to pollute the water bodies. From the study it emerged that the minor metals dumps show the worst pollution risk, followed by base metal dumps, gold-mine dumps, platinum group metals mine dumps, chromite asbestos mine dumps and sulphur mine dumps. The pH values of 79% of the waters sampled in streams both before and after the dumps were neutral, though the pH values of the leachates themselves was frequently very acidic (pH < 4). The low pH levels in leachate are associated with elevated metal and metalloid concentrations in the leachate and in adjacent streams. From this study, a decrease in stream water pH is only expected when there is severe contamination. However, most streams were sampled near the dumps, and results from such samples would not represent entire stream profiles. The general trend from the results is that pH increases downstream as the leachate and run-off from a dump are diluted. Although concentrations of elements are affected the pH for streams did not show significant changes as near the dumps the overall pH of the stream water was not affected. The dumps rarely dry up, and leachate continues to seep from dumps throughout the year, suggesting that AMD is a continuous process. © 2006. | Environmental geochemistry; Mine drainage; Mine dumps; Waste management; Water pollution; Water quality | Contamination; Environmental impact; Mining; Precious metals; Rivers; Waste management; Water pollution; Water quality; Environmental geochemistry; Gold-mine dumps; Platinum group metals mine dumps; River water quality; Water analysis; environmental impact; environmental impact assessment; mine drainage; mine waste; pollution effect; river water; tailings dam; waste management; water pollution; water quality; Africa; Southern Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Zimbabwe | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84943383524 | Evaluation of Curie-point depths, geothermal gradients and near-surface heat flow from high-resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data of the entire Sokoto Basin, Nigeria | Nwankwo L.I., Shehu A.T. | 2015 | Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research | 305 | None | 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2015.09.017 | Department of Geophysics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Physics Unit, Centre for Preliminary and Extra-Mural Studies, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria | Nwankwo, L.I., Department of Geophysics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria; Shehu, A.T., Physics Unit, Centre for Preliminary and Extra-Mural Studies, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria | An evaluation of Curie-point depths, geothermal gradients and near-surface heat flow has been carried out from the spectral analysis of the recently acquired high resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data of the entire Sokoto Basin in northwestern Nigeria. The HRAM data was divided into twenty two (22) overlapping blocks and each block analyzed using the spectral centroid method to obtain depth to the top, centroid and bottom of magnetic sources. The depth values were subsequently used to evaluate the Curie-point depth (CPD), geothermal gradient and near-surface heat flow in the study area. The result shows that the CPD varies between 11.13 and 27.83km with an average of 18.57km, the geothermal gradient varies between 20.84 and 52.11°C/km with an average of 33.99°C/km, and the resulting heat flow varies between 52.11 and 130.28mWm-2 with an average of 84.97mWm-2. Such heat flow values are suggestive of anomalous geothermal conditions and are recommended for detailed geothermal exploration in the basin. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. | Aeromagnetic data; Curie-point depth; Geothermal exploration; Heat flow; Nigeria; Sokoto basin | Curie temperature; Geothermal energy; Geothermal prospecting; Heat transfer; Spectrum analysis; Aeromagnetic data; Curie point depths; Geothermal exploration; Nigeria; Sokoto basin; Magnetic prospecting; aeromagnetic survey; Curie point; geothermal system; heat flow; spectral analysis; temperature gradient; Nigeria; Sokoto Basin; Calluna vulgaris | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84915820672 | The impact of SASA!, a community mobilization intervention, on reported HIV-related risk behaviours and relationship dynamics in Kampala, Uganda | Kyegombe N., Abramsky T., Devries K.M., Starmann E., Michau L., Nakuti J., Musuya T., Heise L., Watts C. | 2014 | Journal of the International AIDS Society | 17 | None | 10.7448/IAS.17.1.19232 | Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Raising Voices, Kampala, Uganda; Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention, Kampala, Uganda | Kyegombe, N., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Abramsky, T., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Devries, K.M., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Starmann, E., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Michau, L., Raising Voices, Kampala, Uganda; Nakuti, J., Raising Voices, Kampala, Uganda; Musuya, T., Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention, Kampala, Uganda; Heise, L., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Watts, C., Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) violates women's human rights, and it is a serious public health concern associated with increased HIV risk. SASA!, a phased community mobilization intervention, engages communities to prevent IPV and promote gender equity. The SASA! study assessed the community-level impact of SASA! on reported HIV-related risk behaviours and relationship dynamics.Methods: Data were collected as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted between 2007 and 2012 in eight communities in Kampala. An adjusted cluster-level intention to treat analysis, compares secondary outcomes in intervention and control communities at follow-up. The qualitative evaluation explored participants' subjective experience of SASA!. A total of 82 in-depth interviews were audio recorded at follow-up, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Men in intervention communities were significantly more likely than controls to report a broad range of HIV-protective behaviours, including higher levels of condom use (aRR 2.03, 95% CI 1.22-3.39), HIV testing (aRR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13-2.00) and fewer concurrent partners (aRR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.97). They were also more likely to report increased joint decision-making (aRR 1.92, 95% CI 1.27-2.91), greater male participation in household tasks (aRR 1.48, 95% CI 1.09-2.01), more open communication and greater appreciation of their partner's work inside (aRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04-1.66) and outside (aRR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08-2.06) the home. For women, all outcomes were in the hypothesized direction, but effect sizes were smaller. Only some achieved statistical significance. Women in intervention communities were significantly more likely to report being able to refuse sex with their partners (aRR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00-1.35), joint decision-making (aRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06-1.78) and more open communication on a number of indicators. Qualitative interviews suggest that shifts operated through broader improvements in relationships, including increased trust and cooperation, participants' greater awareness of the connections between HIV and IPV and their resultant desire to improve their relationships. Barriers to change include partial uptake of SASA!, partner resistance, fear and entrenched previous beliefs.Conclusions: SASA! impacted positively on reported HIV-related risk behaviours and relationship dynamics at a community level, especially among men. Social change programmes focusing on IPV and gender equity could play an important role in HIV prevention efforts. © 2014 Kyegombe N et al. | Community mobilization; HIV-related risk behaviours; Intimate partner violence; Relationship dynamics; SASA!; Uganda | Article; awareness; clinical decision making; community; concurrent sexual partnership; condom use; controlled study; cooperation; female; follow up; health behavior; HIV test; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; interview; male; partner violence; randomized controlled trial; sex ratio; trust; Uganda; adolescent; adult; behavior therapy; cross-sectional study; disease transmission; high risk behavior; HIV Infections; intervention study; middle aged; prevention and control; procedures; sexual crime; young adult; Adolescent; Adult; Behavior Therapy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Intervention Studies; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Risk-Taking; Sex Offenses; Spouse Abuse; Uganda; Young Adult | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-79960851883 | Impact of measles elimination activities on immunization services and health systems: Findings from six countries | Hanvoravongchai P., Mounier-Jack S., Oliveira Cruz V., Balabanova D., Biellik R., Kitaw Y., Koehlmoos T., Loureiro S., Molla M., Nguyen H., Ongolo-Zogo P., Sadykova U., Sarma H., Teixeira M., Uddin J., Dabbagh A., Griffiths U.K. | 2011 | Journal of Infectious Diseases | 204 | None | 10.1093/infdis/jir091 | Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Independent Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Independent Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Health Systems and Infectious Diseases Division, International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Department of Health Management, Environmental Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Department of Epidemiology, Hanoi School of Public Health, Viet Nam; Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Avenue Henri Dunant, Cameroon; WHO, Geneva, Switzerland | Hanvoravongchai, P., Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, 420/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Mounier-Jack, S., Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Oliveira Cruz, V., Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Balabanova, D., Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom; Biellik, R., Independent Department, Geneva, Switzerland; Kitaw, Y., Independent Department, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Koehlmoos, T., Health Systems and Infectious Diseases Division, International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Loureiro, S., Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Molla, M., Department of Health Management, Environmental Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia; Nguyen, H., Department of Epidemiology, Hanoi School of Public Health, Viet Nam; Ongolo-Zogo, P., Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Avenue Henri Dunant, Cameroon; Sadykova, U.; Sarma, H., Health Systems and Infectious Diseases Division, International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Teixeira, M., Instituto de Saude Coletiva, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Uddin, J., Health Systems and Infectious Diseases Division, International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Dabbagh, A., WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; Griffiths, U.K., Department of Global Health and Development, LSHTM, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, United Kingdom | Background. One of the key concerns in determining the appropriateness of establishing a measles eradication goal is its potential impact on routine immunization services and the overall health system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of accelerated measles elimination activities (AMEAs) on immunization services and health systems in 6 countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. Methods. Primary data were collected from key informant interviews and staff profiling surveys. Secondary data were collected from policy documents, studies, and reports. Data analysis used qualitative approaches. Results. This study found that the impact of AMEAs varied, with positive and negative implications in specific immunization and health system functions. On balance, the impacts on immunization services were largely positive in Bangladesh, Brazil, Tajikistan, and Vietnam, while negative impacts were more significant in Cameroon and Ethiopia. Conclusions. We conclude that while weaker health systems may not be able to benefit sufficiently from AMEAs, in more developed health systems, disruptions to health service delivery are unlikely to occur. Opportunities to strengthen the routine immunization service and health system should be actively sought to address system bottlenecks in order to incur benefits to eradication program itself as well as other health priorities. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. | None | accelerated measles elimination activity; article; awareness; Bangladesh; Brazil; Cameroon; disease surveillance; Ethiopia; financial management; health care delivery; health care financing; health care personnel management; health care planning; health care survey; health care system; human; infection control; interview; measles; measles vaccination; medical information system; preventive health service; priority journal; public-private partnership; Tajikistan; Viet Nam; Africa; Asia; economics; health; health care delivery; health care manpower; health survey; measles; methodology; preventive health service; standard; measles vaccine; Africa; Asia; Brazil; Delivery of Health Care; Financial Management; Health Manpower; Humans; Immunization Programs; Measles; Measles Vaccine; Population Surveillance; World Health | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84901401678 | Evaluation of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pattern and prevalence of beta-thalassaemia trait among sickle cell disease patients in Lagos, Nigeria | Adeyemo T., Ojewunmi O., Oyetunji A. | 2014 | Pan African Medical Journal | 18 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2014.18.71.4239 | Department of Haematology and Blood transfusion, University of Lagos, P.M.B 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; National Sickle Cell Centre, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | Adeyemo, T., Department of Haematology and Blood transfusion, University of Lagos, P.M.B 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Ojewunmi, O., National Sickle Cell Centre, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria; Oyetunji, A., Department of Haematology and Blood transfusion, University of Lagos, P.M.B 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited disorder of haemoglobin worldwide. This study evaluated the chromatographic patterns and red blood cell indices of sickle cell patients to determine the co-inheritance of other haemoglobin (Hb) variants and -thalassaemia trait in SCD patients in Nigeria. Methods: Red cell indices, blood film, sickle solubility test, Hb electrophoresis using alkaline cellulose acetate membrane, and chromatographic patterns using Bio Rad HPLC Variant II were evaluated for 180 subjects. Results: Based on low MCV<76fL and MCH<25 pg, in the presence of elevated A2 >4.0% on HPLC and Hb variants eluting outside the S and C windows, at least four haemoglobin phenotypes (SS: 87.7%; SC: 1.1%; SD Punjab: 0.6%; Sβ-thalassemia: 10.6%) were identified. Mean Hb F% was 8.1±5.1 (median 7.65) for Hb SS and 6.03±5.2 (median 3.9) for Hb Sβ-thalassemia trait. Majority of Hb SS (69.1%) had Hb F% less than 10 while 27.6% had 10-19.9 and 3.2% had ≥ 20. Mean Hb F% was higher in female Hb SS (9.55±5.09; mean age 7.4±3.8 years) than the males (7.63±4.80; mean age 6.9±3.8 years) (P=0.02). A borderline significant negative correlation between age and Hb F levels among Hb SS subjects (r= -0.169 P=0.038) was also observed. Conclusion: Our data suggests that α and β- thalassaemia traits, and other haemoglobin variants co-exist frequently with SCD in our population. © Titilope Adeyemo et al. | Foetal haemoglobin; Haemoglobin variants; HPLC; Hypochromia; Microcytosis; Nigerian patients; Sickle cell disease; Thalassaemia | hemoglobin F; hemoglobin beta chain; hemoglobin D Punjab; hemoglobin F; hemoglobin variant; adolescent; alpha thalassemia; article; child; controlled study; female; hemoglobin SD disease; high performance liquid chromatography; human; major clinical study; male; mean corpuscular hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume; Nigeria; prevalence; prospective study; sex difference; sickle cell beta thalassemia; Anemia, Sickle Cell; beta-Thalassemia; blood; clinical trial; comorbidity; developing country; genetics; hemoglobin determination; heterozygote; preschool child; procedures; sickle cell trait; Adolescent; Anemia, Sickle Cell; beta-Globins; beta-Thalassemia; Child; Child, Preschool; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Comorbidity; Developing Countries; Erythrocyte Indices; Female; Fetal Hemoglobin; Hemoglobinometry; Hemoglobins, Abnormal; Heterozygote; Humans; Male; Nigeria; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Sickle Cell Trait | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876490376 | Evaluation of request forms submitted to the haematology laboratory in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital | Olayemi E., Asiamah-Broni R. | 2011 | Pan African Medical Journal | 8 | None | None | Department of Haematology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Ghana; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana | Olayemi, E., Department of Haematology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Ghana; Asiamah-Broni, R., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana | Background: Laboratory request forms provide information about the laboratory test being requested for. They carry demographic data and other information such as location of patient, laboratory number, doctor's name, signature of the doctor, telephone number of the requesting doctor. Omission of information on the forms may lead to laboratory errors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of completion of laboratory request forms at the haematology department of a Ghanaian tertiary hospital. Methods: Three thousand request forms submitted to the haematology department between January and April 2010 were retrieved and studied. The information provided on each request form was recorded in a spread sheet and analyzed. Results: The patient's age and sex were missing in 25.6% and 32.7% of the forms respectively. About half of the request forms did not have the patient's location. No clinical detail was provided on 22.7% of the forms. Doctors were more likely to sign their request forms and provide a name but they all failed to provide an address or a contact telephone number. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, the standard of completion of request forms was poor. Essential information required on the forms was often missing. This can lead to limited advice given by laboratory physicians and may increase the potential for errors. Conversely, provision of all the information needed on the forms will aid laboratory diagnosis and enhance patient care and save time and resources. There should be closer interaction between clinicians and laboratory personnel to improve quality of services. © Edeghonghon Olayemi et al. | Evaluation; Ghana; Haematology Unit; Request forms; Tertiary hospital | adult; article; clinical laboratory; controlled study; diagnostic error; Ghana; health care quality; health service; human; laboratory diagnosis; laboratory personnel; laboratory request form; medical audit; medical record; patient care; tertiary health care | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84868319452 | A descriptive study on health workforce performance after decentralisation of health services in Uganda | Lutwama G.W., Roos J.H., Dolamo B.L. | 2012 | Human Resources for Health | 10 | None | 10.1186/1478-4491-10-41 | Department of Health Studies, Unisa and IMA World Health Sudd Health Project, IMA World Health, 500 Main Street, PO Box 429, New Windsor, MD, 21776, United States; Department of Health Studies, PO Box 392, Pretoria, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Lutwama, G.W., Department of Health Studies, Unisa and IMA World Health Sudd Health Project, IMA World Health, 500 Main Street, PO Box 429, New Windsor, MD, 21776, United States; Roos, J.H., Department of Health Studies, PO Box 392, Pretoria, Unisa 0003, South Africa; Dolamo, B.L., Department of Health Studies, PO Box 392, Pretoria, Unisa 0003, South Africa | Background: Uganda, like many developing countries, is committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. However, serious challenges prove to hamper the attainment of these goals, particularly the health related MDGs. A major challenge relates to the human resources for health. The health system in Uganda was decentralised in the 1990s. Despite the health sector reforms, the services have remained significantly deficient and performance of health workers is thought to be one of the contributing factors. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the performance of health workers after decentralisation of the health services in Uganda in order to identify and suggest possible areas for improvement.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey, using quantitative research methods was utilised. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 276 health workers in the districts of Kumi, Mbale, Sironko and Tororo in Eastern Uganda. The health workers included doctors, clinical officers, professional nurses and midwives. The sample was selected using stratified random sampling. The data was analysed using SPSS version 18.0 and included both univariate and bivariate analysis. The results were presented in tabular and text forms.Results: The study revealed that even though the health workers are generally responsive to the needs of their clients, the services they provide are often not timely. The health workers take initiatives to ensure that they are available for work, although low staffing levels undermine these efforts. While the study shows that the health workers are productive, over half (50.4%) of them reported that their organisations do not have indicators to measure their individual performance. The findings indicate that the health workers are skilled and competent to perform their duties. In general, the results show that health workers are proficient, adaptive, proactive and client-oriented.Conclusion: Although Uganda is faced with a number of challenges as regards human resources for health, the findings show that the health workers that are currently working in the health facilities are enthusiastic to perform. This may serve as a motivator for the health workers to improve their performance and that of the health sector. © 2012 Lutwama et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | Decentralisation; Health sector reforms; Health workers; Health workforce; Performance | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865455099 | Nutrient content and sensory evaluation of hawked and home-made Roselle (Zobo) drink | Davidson G.I. | 2011 | Journal of Home Economics Research | 15 | None | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Davidson, G.I., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Zobo (Roselle) drinks prepared by boiling and soaking methods were flavoured with pineapple juice and granulated sugar respectively. Hawked zobo drink was also purchased as consumed. All these samples were subjected to both chemical and sensory evaluation. The different zobo drinks contained appreciable amount of carbohydrate, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Hawked zobo drink had lower nutrient content and organoleptic attributes than the home-made drinks. Among the home-made zobo drinks, pineapple flavoured was of more nutritional value than the sugar flavoured. Also, soaking method of preparation produced drinks of higher nutritional value than the boiling method. | Content; Nutrient; Sensory evaluation; Zobo | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054764420 | Recipe development, chemical and organoleptic evaluation of complementary food blends made from available agricultural products | Nwamarah J.U., Ugwumba C.G. | 2011 | Journal of Home Economics Research | 14 | None | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Nwamarah, J.U., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Ugwumba, C.G., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The study was done to improve on the traditional infant complementary food. The nutrient potential and organoleptic attributes of porridges based on processed maize and sweet potato flour, in which was added either of these: groundnut paste, palm oil or soybean oil were produced. Maize, sweet potato and groundnut were processed. Palm and soybean oils were purchased from the Nsukka main market. Four products PSP (maize + sweet potato flour + palm oil) (65:30:5), PSG-(maize + sweet potato flour + groundnut paste) (60:30:10) and PSS-(maize+ sweet potato flour + soybean oil) (65:30:5) were developed and CON-(maize gruel) (100:0) used as control. Nutrient content of the porridges and their organoleptic attributes were analyzed using standard techniques. Data were statistically analyzed using percentages, mean and standard deviation of means. Duncan's New Multiple Range Test was used to separate and compare means. The PSG had the highest protein (14.73%), folate (0.8mg), iron (4.0mg) than others. The PSG also had the highest organoleptic attributes (6.97-7.68) on a 9-point hedonic scale than any of the products. The PSG appears to have the most desirable nutrient profile (protein 14.73%, fibre 0.95%, ash 6.45% and energy value 328.40kcal). While samples PSP and PSS had comparable energy values (314.90 and 313.77 kcal). | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80053981441 | Production and organoleptic evaluation of complementary foods from fermented composite flours of legume, cereal, root and tubers | Mbah B.O. | 2009 | Journal of Home Economics Research | 42654 | None | None | Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Mbah, B.O., Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Cheap, nutritious, easy to prepare and acceptable complementary foods from fermented cereal, root and tuber, and legume were produced and organoleptically evaluated. Yellow maize (YM), sorghum (SG), cowpea (CP), cocoyam (CY) and sweet potatoes (SP) were fermented for 72h in water at a ratio of 1:3(w/v), sun dried to 5% moisture and hammer-milled into fine flours. The flours were analyzed for nutrient by standard methods. The flours were blended into eight composite flours (blends) on protein basis - (SGCP, YMCP, YMSP, SGSP, YMCY, SGCY, at a ratio of 70:30 and SGCPSP, YMCPCY at 60:20:20). Porridges were prepared from blends, and their organoleptic qualities evaluated on a 9-point hedonic scale, by a 22 member taste panel. Fermentation increased protein in flours and product and improved the food potentials of all porridges. SGCP and YMCP porridges had higher organoleptic rating and acceptability than other blends, and could be incorporated into complementary foods. | Acceptability; Complementary food; Fermentation; Staple foods | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84903849875 | Recycled-PET fibre based panels for building thermal insulation: Environmental impact and improvement potential assessment for a greener production | Ingrao C., Lo Giudice A., Tricase C., Rana R., Mbohwa C., Siracusa V. | 2014 | Science of the Total Environment | 493 | None | 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.022 | Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Quality and Operations Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy | Ingrao, C., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; Lo Giudice, A., Department of Quality and Operations Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tricase, C., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Rana, R., Department of Economics, University of Foggia, Via Romolo Caggese 1, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Mbohwa, C., Department of Quality and Operations Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, APB Campus, P. O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Siracusa, V., Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy | A screening of Life Cycle Assessment for the evaluation of the damage arising from the production of 1 kg of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) fibre-based panel for building heat insulation was carried out according to the ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006. All data used were collected on site based on observations during site visits, review of documents and interviews with technical personnel and management. These data were processed by using SimaPro 7.3.3, accessing the Ecoinvent v.2.2 database and using the Impact 2002. + method. The study showed damage to be equal to 0.000299 points mostly due to the: 1) PET thermo-bonding fibre supply from China by means of a freight-equipped intercontinental aircraft; 2) production of bottle-grade granulate PET; 3) medium voltage electricity consumption during the manufacturing of RPET fibre panel. It was also highlighted that there were environmental benefits due to recycling through mainly avoiding significant emissions and reduced resource consumption. An improvement assessment was carried out to find solutions aimed at reducing the damage coming from the most impacting phases. Furthermore, the environmental impacts due to the production of the analysed RPET fibre-based panel were compared to other materials with the same insulating function, such as polystyrene foam, rock wool and cork slab. Finally, the environmental benefits of the recycling of PET bottles for flake production were highlighted compared to other treatment scenarios such as landfill and municipal incineration. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. | Buildings; Environmental sustainability; Life Cycle Assessment; RPET-fibre; Thermal insulation; Transportation | Bottles; Buildings; Damage detection; Human resource management; Incineration; Life cycle; Mineral wool; Recycling; Textile fibers; Thermal insulation; Transportation; Thermal insulation; Transportation; Electricity-consumption; Environmental benefits; Environmental sustainability; Improvement assessment; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Municipal incineration; Recycled polyethylene terephthalates; RPET-fibre; Environmental impact; Buildings; polyethylene terephthalate; polystyrene; building; environmental impact assessment; incineration; landfill; life cycle analysis; recycling; sustainability; transportation; environmental management; insulation; acidification; air pollution control; article; building material; building thermal insulation; climate change; construction work; ecotoxicity; energy cost; environmental impact; environmental sustainability; eutrophication; health hazard; life cycle assessment; nitrification; plastic bottle; priority journal; recycling; waste management; Article; controlled study; electricity; energy consumption; fiber; incineration; interview; landfill; life cycle assessment; thermal insulator; wool | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904987191 | Performance characteristics of solar air heater with surface mounted obstacles | Bekele A., Mishra M., Dutta S. | 2014 | Energy Conversion and Management | 85 | None | 10.1016/j.enconman.2014.04.079 | Department of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India | Bekele, A., Department of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia; Mishra, M., Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India; Dutta, S., Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India | The performance of conventional solar air heaters (SAHs) can be improved by providing obstacles on the heated wall (i.e. on the absorber plate). Experiments have been performed to collect heat transfer and flow-friction data from an air heater duct with delta-shaped obstacles mounted on the absorber surface and having an aspect ratio 6:1 resembling the conditions close to the solar air heaters. This study encompassed for the range of Reynolds number (Re) from 2100 to 30,000, relative obstacle height (e/H) from 0.25 to 0.75, relative obstacle longitudinal pitch (Pl/e) from 3/2 to 11/2, relative obstacle transverse pitch (Pt/b) from 1 to 7/3 and the angle of incidence (α) varied from 30° to 90°. The thermo-hydraulic performance characteristics of SAH have been compared with the previous published works and the optimum range of the geometries have been explored for the better performance of such air-heaters compared to the other designs of solar air heaters. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | Friction factor; Heat transfer; Obstacle; Solar air heater; Thermo-hydraulic performance | Aspect ratio; Heat transfer; Reynolds number; Solar equipment; Angle of Incidence; Better performance; Friction factors; Longitudinal pitch; Obstacle; Performance characteristics; Solar air heater; Thermo-hydraulic performance; Solar heating | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84876329113 | Scanning velocity influence on microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance performance of laser deposited Ti6Al4V/TiC composite | Mahamood R.M., Akinlabi E.T., Shukla M., Pityana S. | 2013 | Materials and Design | 50 | None | 10.1016/j.matdes.2013.03.049 | Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, MNNIT, Allahabad, UP 211 004, India; National Laser Centre of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa | Mahamood, R.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Akinlabi, E.T., Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; Shukla, M., Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MNNIT, Allahabad, UP 211 004, India; Pityana, S., National Laser Centre of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Pretoria, South Africa | Ti6Al4V is the most widely used titanium alloy in the aerospace industry because of its excellent properties. However, the wear resistance behaviour of this material is not very impressive and surface damage occurs in applications involving contact loadings. Laser material deposition process, an additive manufacturing technology offers lots of advantages in surface modification of components, repair of existing worn out parts, as well as building new components from the scratch, most especially complex components. A good control of the process parameters is inevitable to achieve the desired properties. It is easier to control a single process parameter to achieve the desired property than to control a number of the processing parameters. In this study, the influence of the scanning velocity on the evolving physical properties, the microstructure, the microhardness and the wear resistance behaviour of Ti6Al4V/TiC composite is thoroughly investigated towards achieving an effective properties control. The results showed that controlling only the scanning velocity, the physical, mechanical, metallurgical and the tribological properties of the Ti6Al4V/TiC composite can be effectively controlled. It was found that as the scanning velocity was increased, the wear resistance performance also increased, until the scanning velocity of 0.065. m/s, after which the wear resistance performance began to experience a decrease. At low scanning velocity, there were less Unmelted Carbide particles in the microstructure due to more melting of the TiC powder taking place, hence the low wear resistance performance obtained. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. | Coefficient of friction; Laser material deposition; Microstructure; Surface roughness; Titanium composites; Wear resistance performance | Aerospace industry; Deposition; Manufacture; Microhardness; Microstructure; Repair; Scanning; Surface roughness; Titanium carbide; Velocity; Wear resistance; Additive manufacturing technology; Coefficient of frictions; Complex components; Effective property; Laser materials; Processing parameters; Titanium composites; Tribological properties; Process control | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-80054099170 | Evaluation of the role of location and distance in recruitment in respondent-driven sampling | McCreesh N., Johnston L.G., Copas A., Sonnenberg P., Seeley J., Hayes R.J., Frost S.D.W., White R.G. | 2011 | International Journal of Health Geographics | 10 | None | 10.1186/1476-072X-10-56 | Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Department of International Health and Development, Center for Global Health Equity, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda; School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom | McCreesh, N., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Johnston, L.G., Department of International Health and Development, Center for Global Health Equity, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States; Copas, A., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Sonnenberg, P., Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Seeley, J., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda, School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom; Hayes, R.J., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Frost, S.D.W., Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom; White, R.G., Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom | Background: Respondent-driven sampling(RDS) is an increasingly widely used variant of a link tracing design for recruiting hidden populations. The role of the spatial distribution of the target population has not been robustly examined for RDS. We examine patterns of recruitment by location, and how they may have biased an RDS study findings.Methods: Total-population data were available on a range of characteristics on a population of 2402 male household-heads from an open cohort of 25 villages in rural Uganda. The locations of households were known a-priori. An RDS survey was carried out in this population, employing current RDS methods of sampling and statistical inference.Results: There was little heterogeneity in the population by location. Data suggested more distant contacts were less likely to be reported, and therefore recruited, but if reported more distant contacts were as likely as closer contacts to be recruited. There was no evidence that closer proximity to a village meeting place was associated with probability of being recruited, however it was associated with a higher probability of recruiting a larger number of recruits. People living closer to an interview site were more likely to be recruited.Conclusions: Household location affected the overall probability of recruitment, and the probability of recruitment by a specific recruiter. Patterns of recruitment do not appear to have greatly biased estimates in this study. The observed patterns could result in bias in more geographically heterogeneous populations. Care is required in RDS studies when choosing the network size question and interview site location(s). © 2011 McCreesh et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | cohort analysis; heterogeneity; probability; recruitment (population dynamics); sampling; spatial distribution; village; article; cohort analysis; epidemiology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; male; patient selection; probability; questionnaire; rural population; social stigma; Uganda; Bias (Epidemiology); Cohort Studies; Epidemiologic Research Design; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Patient Selection; Probability; Questionnaires; Rural Population; Sampling Studies; Social Stigma; Uganda | None |
| None | None | 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-s2.0-84942060717 | Evaluating the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiovascular risk in persons with metabolic syndrome using the UKPDS risk engine | Stephen Ogedengbe O., Ezeani I.U., Chukwuonye I.I., Ndukaife Anyabolu E., Ozor I.I., Eregie A. | 2015 | Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy | 8 | None | 10.2147/DMSO.S69199 | Department of internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria; Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Me | Stephen Ogedengbe, O., Department of internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin; Ezeani, I.U., Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria; Chukwuonye, I.I., Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Nigeria; Ndukaife Anyabolu, E., Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine, Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Nigeria, Division of Nephrology, Department of internal Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria; Ozor, I.I., Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria; Eregie, A., Department of internal Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin | Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of coexistence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the estimated cardiovascular risk as calculated using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetic Study risk engine (UKPDS-RE) and also to determine the impact of the coexistence of MS and T2DM on the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study in which convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 124 consecutive persons with T2DM and 96 controls using a questionnaire administered technique. The World Health Organization (WHO) criterion was used to define MS and the UKPDS-RE was used to identify persons with increased risk for stroke and those with increased risk for coronary heart disease. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Statistical comparisons were made with chi-square for comparison of proportions. A P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Fifteen subjects were identified as having an increased 10-year risk for stroke and ten as having an increased risk for a coronary event. The odds of a T2DM subject with MS having an increased risk for stroke compared with a T2DM subject without MS was 0.9579=1 while the odds of a T2DM subject with MS developing an increased risk for a coronary event compared with a T2DM subject without MS was =3.451≈3. Conclusion: MS was more common in subjects with T2DM compared with controls (irrespective of the diagnostic criteria used) and MS appears to increase the risk of a coronary event in subjects with T2DM by threefold. Also from this study, MS did not appear to cause an additional increase in the risk of stroke in subjects with T2DM. © 2015 Ogedengbe et al. | Cardiovascular disease; Coronary heart disease; Diabetes mellitus; Metabolic syndrome; UKPDS risk engine | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84887492044 | The impacts of first line highly active antiretroviral therapy on serum selenium, cd4 count and body mass index: A cross sectional and short prospective study | Akinboro A.O., Onayemi O., Ayodele O.E., Mejiuni A.D., Atiba A.S. | 2013 | Pan African Medical Journal | 15 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2013.15.97.2524 | Department of Internal Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Bullsbro | Akinboro, A.O., Department of Internal Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Onayemi, O., Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Bullsbrook Medical Practice, Perth, Australia; Ayodele, O.E., Department of Internal Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria; Mejiuni, A.D., Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Bullsbrook Medical Practice, Perth, Australia; Atiba, A.S., Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Obafemi Awolowo University and OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, Department of Chemical Pathology, Ekiti state University and Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ekiti State, Nigeria | Introduction: The relationship that exists between body weights, serum selenium and immunological markers of HIV/AIDS continue to provoke more researches in the recent times. The objectives of this study were to examine baseline body mass index, CD4 count and serum selenium and to prospectively assess the impacts of HAART on same parameters 48 weeks post HAART among HIV patients. Methods: A cohort comprising 140 newly diagnosed HIV positive were prospectively studied. Anthropometric measurements, serum selenium and CD4 count were assessed at diagnosis and 48 weeks post HAART. Results: The mean age for patients was 35±8.8 years; 68% was female. Patients' mean weight was 56.79±10.22kg, BMI; 21.59±3.53, serum selenium; 0.55 ± 0.45μmol/L and CD4 count; 288.36 ± 232.23 at the baseline. At diagnosis, 47 (33.6%) were in stage 1, 49 (35.0%) in stage 2, 26 (18.6%) and 18 (12.9%) were in stage 3 and 4 respectively. Similarly, most patients had normal body mass index, 94 (67.14%), 26 (18.57%) were underweight, (12.86%) were overweight and two (1.43%) were obese at diagnosis. At 48 weeks post HAART, the mean weight, BMI, serum selenium and CD4 count were significantly increased. Conclusion: HAART repleted CD4 count and serum selenium, Post HAART overweight was associated with lesser CD4 count reconstitution and selenium repletion. A renew call for weight monitoring in HAART era. © Adeolu Oladayo Akinboro et al. | BMI; CD4 count; HAART; HIV/AIDS; Selenium | efavirenz plus lamivudine plus zidovudine; lamivudine plus nevirapine plus zidovudine; selenium; selenium; adult; article; body mass; body weight; CD4 lymphocyte count; cohort analysis; controlled study; cross-sectional study; disease classification; female; highly active antiretroviral therapy; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; major clinical study; male; obesity; outcome assessment; prospective study; selenium blood level; treatment outcome; underweight; blood; epidemiology; HIV Infections; middle aged; Nigeria; Overweight; Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Body Mass Index; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Overweight; Prospective Studies; Selenium | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84865552016 | The impact of orphanhood on food security in the high-HIV context of Blantyre, Malawi | Rivers J., Mason J.B., Rose D.D., Eisele T.P., Gillespie S., Mahy M., Monasch R. | 2011 | Food and Nutrition Bulletin | 32 | None | None | Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Geneva, Switzerland; UNICEF, New York, United States; UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe | Rivers, J., Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Mason, J.B., Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Rose, D.D., Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Eisele, T.P., Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States; Gillespie, S., International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Geneva, Switzerland; Mahy, M., UNICEF, New York, United States; Monasch, R., UNICEF, Harare, Zimbabwe | Background. A 2004 UNICEF/UNAIDS/USAID survey in Blantyre, Malawi, examined methods to improve monitoring and evaluation of interventions aimed at orphans and vulnerable children. Objective. A derivative of this larger study, the present study utilized the household data collected to assess differences in food security status among orphan households with the aim of helping food security programmers focus resources on the households most affected. Methods. Orphan households were classified by number and type of orphans supported. Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were performed to assess differential vulnerability to food insecurity according to these classifications. Results. Multiple-orphan households and multipleorphan households that cared for at least one foster child were 2.42 and 6.87 times more likely to be food insecure, respectively, than nonorphan households. No other category of orphan household was at elevated risk. Conclusions. The food security impact of caring for orphans varied significantly among orphan households, requiring food security planners to focus resources on the households most heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS, including multiple-orphan households, rather than focusing on conventional designations of vulnerability, such as orphans and vulnerable children. © 2010, The United Nations University. | Food security; HIV; Malawi; Orphans | acquired immune deficiency syndrome; data acquisition; food policy; food security; household survey; human immunodeficiency virus; monitoring; orphan; resource management; risk assessment; vulnerability; Blantyre; Malawi; Human immunodeficiency virus | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84954027831 | Impact of lipid-based nutrient supplementation (LNS) on children's diet adequacy in Western Uganda | Ickes S.B., Adair L.S., Brahe C.A., Thirumurthy H., Charles B., Myhre J.A., Bentley M.E., Ammerman A.S. | 2015 | Maternal and Child Nutrition | 11 | None | 10.1111/mcn.12164 | Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, United States; Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; World Harvest Mission East Africa, Kijaabe, Kenya; 114 Adair Hall, PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA, United States | Ickes, S.B., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, United States, 114 Adair Hall, PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA, United States; Adair, L.S., Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Brahe, C.A., Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, United States; Thirumurthy, H., Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Charles, B., Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda; Myhre, J.A., World Harvest Mission East Africa, Kijaabe, Kenya; Bentley, M.E., Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Ammerman, A.S., Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States | Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) can help treat undernutrition; however, the dietary adequacy of children supplemented with LNS, and household utilisation patterns are not well understood. We assessed diet adequacy and the quality of complementary foods by conducting a diet assessment of 128 Ugandan children, ages 6-59 months, who participated in a 10-week programme for children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM, defined as weight-for-age z-score<-2). Caregivers were given a weekly ration of 650kcalday-1 (126gday-1) of a peanut/soy LNS. Two 24-h dietary recalls were administered per child. LNS was offered to 86% of targeted children at least once. Among non-breastfed children, over 90% met their estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-points for all examined nutrients. Over 90% of breastfed children met EAR cut-points for nutrient density for most nutrients, except for zinc where 11.7% met cut-points. A lower proportion of both breastfed and non-breastfed children met adjusted EARs for the specific nutritional needs of MAM. Fewer than 20% of breastfed children met EAR nutrient-density guidelines for MAM for zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A and folate. Underweight status, the presence of a father in the child's home, and higher programme attendance were all associated with greater odds of feeding LNS to targeted children. Children in this community-based supplemental feeding programme who received a locally produced LNS exhibited substantial micronutrient deficiencies given the special dietary needs of this population. These results can help inform programme strategies to improve LNS targeting, and highlight potential nutrient inadequacies for consumers of LNS in community-based settings. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | Child malnutrition; Diet adequacy; Household allocation; Lipid-based nutrient supplements; Sharing | lipid; anthropometric parameters; Article; breast feeding; child; child nutrition; community program; controlled study; demography; diet supplementation; dietary intake; feeding behavior; female; health impact assessment; human; infant; lipid composition; male; malnutrition; nutritional assessment; nutritional parameters; nutritional requirement; nutritional value; priority journal; social status; Uganda | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84878514240 | Evaluation of four different equations for calculating LDL-C with eight different direct HDL-C assays | Oliveira M.J.A., van Deventer H.E., Bachmann L.M., Warnick G.R., Nakajima K., Nakamura M., Sakurabayashi I., Kimberly M.M., Shamburek R.D., Korzun W.J., Myers G.L., Miller W.G., Remaley A.T. | 2013 | Clinica Chimica Acta | 423 | None | 10.1016/j.cca.2013.04.009 | Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Lancet Laboratories, PO Box 37918, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0043, South Africa; Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1111 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Health Diagnostic Laboratory, 737 North 5th Street, Suite 103, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Nakajima and Associates, Co., 201 Nakajima Bldg., 3-33-2 Minami-cho, Maebashi, Guma, 371-0805, Japan; Osaka Medical Center for Health Science and Promotion, Department of Health Promotion and Education, 1-3-2 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan; Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, Japan; American Association for Clinical Chemistry, 1850 K Street, NW Suite 625, Washington, DC, United States | Oliveira, M.J.A., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; van Deventer, H.E., Lancet Laboratories, PO Box 37918, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, 0043, South Africa; Bachmann, L.M., Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1111 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Warnick, G.R., Health Diagnostic Laboratory, 737 North 5th Street, Suite 103, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Nakajima, K., Nakajima and Associates, Co., 201 Nakajima Bldg., 3-33-2 Minami-cho, Maebashi, Guma, 371-0805, Japan; Nakamura, M., Osaka Medical Center for Health Science and Promotion, Department of Health Promotion and Education, 1-3-2 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan; Sakurabayashi, I., Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, Japan; Kimberly, M.M.; Shamburek, R.D., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Korzun, W.J., Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1111 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Myers, G.L., American Association for Clinical Chemistry, 1850 K Street, NW Suite 625, Washington, DC, United States; Miller, W.G., Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1111 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Remaley, A.T., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States | Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is often calculated (cLDL-C) by the Friedewald equation, which requires high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Because there have been considerable changes in the measurement of HDL-C with the introduction of direct assays, several alternative equations have recently been proposed. Methods: We compared 4 equations (Friedewald, Vujovic, Chen, and Anandaraja) for cLDL-C, using 8 different direct HDL-C (dHDL-C) methods. LDL-C values were calculated by the 4 equations and determined by the β quantification reference method procedure in 164 subjects. Results: For normotriglyceridemic samples (TG < 200 mg/dl), between 6.2% and 24.8% of all results exceeded the total error goal of 12% for LDL-C, depending on the dHDL-C assay and cLDL-C equation used. Friedewald equation was found to be the optimum equation for most but not all dHDL-C assays, typically leading to less than 10% misclassification of cardiovascular risk based on LDL-C. Hypertriglyceridemic samples (>200 mg/dl) showed a large cardiovascular risk misclassification rate (30%-50%) for all combinations of dHDL-C assays and cLDL-C equations. Conclusion: The Friedewald equation showed the best performance for estimating LDL-C, but its accuracy varied considerably depending on the specific dHDL-C assay used. None of the cLDL-C equations performed adequately for hypertriglyceridemic samples. © 2013. | Cardiovascular disease; Cholesterol; Friedewald equation; Low-density lipoproteins | high density lipoprotein cholesterol; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; triacylglycerol; very low density lipoprotein cholesterol; analytic method; Anandaraja equation; article; assay; cardiovascular risk; Chen equation; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; evaluation research; Friedewald equation; human; hypertriglyceridemia; information processing; intermethod comparison; lipid analysis; major clinical study; priority journal; triacylglycerol blood level; ultracentrifugation; Vujovic equation; Algorithms; Biological Assay; Blood Chemical Analysis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Humans | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84879405000 | Evaluation of sequence ambiguities of the HIV-1 pol gene as a method to identify recent HIV-1 infection in transmitted drug resistance surveys | Andersson E., Shao W., Bontell I., Cham F., Cuong D.D., Wondwossen A., Morris L., Hunt G., Sönnerborg A., Bertagnolio S., Maldarelli F., Jordan M.R. | 2013 | Infection, Genetics and Evolution | 18 | None | 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.03.050 | Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, SAIC-Frederick Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe; Department of Infectious Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, Viet Nam; Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Center for HIV and STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States; Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States | Andersson, E., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Shao, W., Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, SAIC-Frederick Inc, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, United States; Bontell, I., Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Cham, F., World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe; Cuong, D.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, Viet Nam; Wondwossen, A., Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Morris, L., Center for HIV and STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Hunt, G., Center for HIV and STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Sönnerborg, A., Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Bertagnolio, S., World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Maldarelli, F., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States; Jordan, M.R., Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States | Identification of recent HIV infection within populations is a public health priority for accurate estimation of HIV incidence rates and transmitted drug resistance at population level. Determining HIV incidence rates by prospective follow-up of HIV-uninfected individuals is challenging and serological assays have important limitations. HIV diversity within an infected host increases with duration of infection. We explore a simple bioinformatics approach to assess viral diversity by determining the percentage of ambiguous base calls in sequences derived from standard genotyping of HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase. Sequences from 691 recently infected (≤1. year) and chronically infected (>1. year) individuals from Sweden, Vietnam and Ethiopia were analyzed for ambiguity. A significant difference (. p<. 0.0001) in the proportion of ambiguous bases was observed between sequences from individuals with recent and chronic infection in both HIV-1 subtype B and non-B infection, consistent with previous studies. In our analysis, a cutoff of <0.47% ambiguous base calls identified recent infection with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.8% and 74.6% respectively. 1,728 protease and reverse transcriptase sequences from 36 surveys of transmitted HIV drug resistance performed following World Health Organization guidance were analyzed for ambiguity. The 0.47% ambiguity cutoff was applied and survey sequences were classified as likely derived from recently or chronically infected individuals. 71% of patients were classified as likely to have been infected within one year of genotyping but results varied considerably amongst surveys. This bioinformatics approach may provide supporting population-level information to identify recent infection but its application is limited by infection with more than one viral variant, decreasing viral diversity in advanced disease and technical aspects of population based sequencing. Standardization of sequencing techniques and base calling and the addition of other parameters such as CD4 cell count may address some of the technical limitations and increase the usefulness of the approach. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Ambiguity; Bioinformatics; HIV; Incidence; Resistance; Viral diversity | Human immunodeficiency virus proteinase; Pol protein; RNA directed DNA polymerase; ambiguity; article; bioinformatics; controlled study; disease duration; Ethiopia; feasibility study; female; follow up; gene sequence; genotype; human; Human immunodeficiency virus 1; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection; incidence; major clinical study; male; practice guideline; priority journal; prospective study; sensitivity and specificity; species diversity; structural gene; Sweden; Viet Nam; virus identification; virus transmission; world health organization; Ambiguity; Bioinformatics; HIV; Incidence; Resistance; Viral diversity; Chronic Disease; Databases, Genetic; Drug Resistance, Viral; Female; Genes, pol; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Sequence Alignment; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Human immunodeficiency virus 1 | K23 AIO74423-05, NIH, National Institutes of Health |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84880808540 | Evaluating the performance of reservoirs in semi-arid catchments of Tigray: Tradeoff between water harvesting and soil and water conservation | Teka D., van Wesemael B., Vanacker V., Poesen J., Hallet V., Taye G., Deckers J., Haregeweyn N. | 2013 | Catena | 110 | None | 10.1016/j.catena.2013.06.001 | Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia; Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Department of Geology, Faculté Universitaire Notre Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium; Toronto University, Japan | Teka, D., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; van Wesemael, B., Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Vanacker, V., Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium; Poesen, J., Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Hallet, V., Department of Geology, Faculté Universitaire Notre Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium; Taye, G., Department of Land Resource Management and Environmental Protection, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Deckers, J., Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium; Haregeweyn, N., Toronto University, Japan | Micro dams play a vital role towards boosting crop production in Northern Ethiopia as they can be built by pooling local resources, are simple to design and can be constructed quite quickly. However, the reservoirs do not always fulfill their intended purpose, and hence less land is irrigated than initially foreseen. Here, we evaluated the performance of two micro dams in Tigray by analyzing rainfall characteristics, surface water inflows and combined evaporation and seepage losses. Given the scarcity of reliable meteorological stations, transfer of rainfall data from nearby stations to the dam sites was necessary. The rainfall magnitude and its annual distribution were considered for the transfer of the rainfall data. The latter was estimated based on a precipitation concentration index (PCI). Simple rainfall-runoff models, such as the curve number method proposed by the US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, or the rational method were used to predict the inflow to the reservoirs. Both methods slightly overestimated the monthly inflow for the catchment without soil and water conservation measures (rational method: bias of 24% and curve number method: bias of 9%). In the catchment where soil and water conservation measures were implemented, the inflow was overestimated by a factor three. The high losses of water through seepage and evaporation substantially decreased the irrigation capacity by up to 33%. This case study illustrates that an integrated assessment of the hydrological response in the catchment is necessary for an adequate design of water harvesting systems. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. | Hydrograph; Irrigation capacity; Micro dams; Northern Ethiopia; Rainfall-runoff response | annual variation; catchment; crop production; dam; estimation method; hydrological response; irrigation; meteorology; precipitation (climatology); rainfall; rainfall-runoff modeling; Ethiopia; Tigray | 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-s2.0-84867366944 | Monitoring detrusor oxygenation and hemodynamics noninvasively during dysfunctional voiding | MacNab A.J., Stothers L.S., Shadgan B. | 2012 | Advances in Urology | None | None | 10.1155/2012/676303 | Department of Urology, UBC Hospital Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa | MacNab, A.J., Department of Urology, UBC Hospital Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Wallenberg Research Centre, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Stothers, L.S., Department of Urology, UBC Hospital Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Shadgan, B., Department of Urology, UBC Hospital Bladder Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada | The current literature indicates that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have a heterogeneous pathophysiology. Pressure flow studies (UDSs) remain the gold standard evaluation methodology for such patients. However, as the function of the detrusor muscle depends on its vasculature and perfusion, the underlying causes of LUTS likely include abnormalities of detrusor oxygenation and hemodynamics, and available treatment options include agents thought to act on the detrusor smooth muscle and/or vasculature. Hence, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), an established optical methodology for monitoring changes in tissue oxygenation and hemodynamics, has relevance as a means of expanding knowledge related to the pathophysiology of BPH and potential treatment options. This methodological report describes how to conduct simultaneous NIRS monitoring of detrusor oxygenation and hemodynamics during UDS, outlines the clinical implications and practical applications of NIRS, explains the principles of physiologic interpretation of NIRS voiding data, and proposes an exploratory hypothesis that the pathophysiological causes underlying LUTS include detrusor dysfunction due to an abnormal hemodynamic response or the onset of oxygen debt during voiding. © 2012 Andrew J. Macnab et al. | None | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84908510997 | Improving the braking performance of a vehicle with ABS and a semi-active suspension system on a rough road | Hamersma H.A., Schalk Els P. | 2014 | Journal of Terramechanics | 56 | None | 10.1016/j.jterra.2014.09.004 | Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Hamersma, H.A., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Schalk Els, P., Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa | Rapid advances have been made in the field of vehicle dynamics in terms of improving the ride, handling and safety using actuators and control systems. Optimising a vehicle's ride comfort or handling has led to the development of semi-active suspension systems. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have resulted in significant improvements in vehicle braking whilst maintaining directional control over the vehicle. These advances have improved vehicle and occupant safety in general, but there are often some trade-offs. For example, the stopping distance of a vehicle fitted with ABS on an undulating road is significantly increased compared to braking without ABS. This has severe implications, especially in the off-road vehicle industry. The effects of spring and damper characteristics on the braking performance of a sports-utility-vehicle (SUV) on hard rough terrain are investigated. The approach is simulation based, using an experimentally validated full vehicle model of the SUV, built in Adams in co-simulation with MATLAB and Simulink. The simulations were performed on measured road profiles of a Belgian paving and parallel corrugations (or a washboard road). The results indicate that the suspension system has a significant impact on the braking performance, resulting in differences in stopping distances of up to 9 m. © 2014 ISTVS. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | ABS systems; Multi-body dynamics modelling; Off-road vehicles; Semi-active suspension; Tyre modelling | Multi-body dynamic; Rough roads; Semi active suspension; Semi-active suspension systems | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904549442 | Performance characteristics of artificial coatings applied to steam surface condensers | Goodenough J.L., Reuter H.C.R. | 2014 | International Journal of Thermal Sciences | 85 | None | 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2014.06.020 | Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Goodenough, J.L., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Reuter, H.C.R., Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa | Recent developments in artificial protective coatings (APCs) and their application techniques have made it possible to consistently apply uniformly thin coatings. However, documented testing procedures are limited, which specifically deal with the thermal performance of these coatings. Moreover, recently developed coatings and application techniques are unique in many aspects and there exists the need to test their combined performance. There are also insufficient industrial guidelines to regulate the selection and application of these coatings. This paper investigates the measurement of the thermal performance of these coatings applied to new brass tubes. The double-pipe counter-flow heat exchanger, that was designed, manufactured and commissioned, is described. Heated water is used to simulate condensing steam, thus enforcing repeatable convection coefficients that are similar in magnitude to condensing steam. The measured annular convection coefficients (tested on new uncoated tubes) indicate the heat exchanger achieves fully-developed hydrodynamic conditions, and the measured Nusselt numbers agree within up to ±5% of literature correlations. Three different coatings are tested, with thicknesses ranging from 40 μm to 130 μm. Thermal performance is measured in terms of the coating thermal conductivity, the effective coated-tube conductivity, and the coating factor. Additionally, the pressure drop measurements agree within ±5% of smooth tube predictions. The Heat Exchange Institute (HEI) method for determining the heat transfer rate of steam surface condensers (Heat Exchange Institute, Standards for Steam Surface Condensers, Heat Exchange Institute (HEI), Cleveland, Ohio, 2012, 11th edition) makes no provision for APCs. However, this paper shows how to modify the design cleanliness factor or the material correction factor to account for APCs. Single tube tests are related to the overall condenser performance, and hence are used to show how coating guidelines may be determined in terms of the coating conductivity and thickness. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. | Coatings; Condensers; Conductivity; Corrosion; Erosion; Fouling | Capacitors; Coatings; Corrosion; Electric conductivity; Erosion; Fouling; Heat exchangers; Protective coatings; Steam; Thermal conductivity; Tubes (components); Coating conductivity; Condenser performance; Convection coefficients; Counter-flow heat exchangers; Hydrodynamic conditions; Performance characteristics; Pressure drop measurements; Thermal Performance; Condenser tubes | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84928317807 | Performance modeling of industrial gas turbines with inlet air filtration system | Effiom S.O., Abam F.I., Ohunakin O.S. | 2015 | Case Studies in Thermal Engineering | 5 | None | 10.1016/j.csite.2015.03.008 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cross River University of Technology, P.M.B 1123, Calabar, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, P.M.B 7276, Umudike, Umuhia, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engine | Effiom, S.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cross River University of Technology, P.M.B 1123, Calabar, Nigeria; Abam, F.I., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, P.M.B 7276, Umudike, Umuhia, Nigeria; Ohunakin, O.S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria | Abstract The effect of inlet air filtration on the performance of two industrial gas turbines (GT) is presented. Two GTs were modeled similar to GE LM2500+ and Alstom GT13 E2-2012, using TURBOMATCH and chosen to operate at environmental conditions of Usan offshore oilfield and Maiduguri dessert in Nigeria. The inlet pressure recovered (Precov) from the selected filters used in Usan offshore, and Maiduguri ranged between 98.36≤Precov≤99.51% and 98.67≤Precov≤99.56% respectively. At reduced inlet Precov by 98.36% (1.66 kPa) and, at a temperature above 15 C (ISA), a reduction of 16.9%, and 7.3% of power output and efficiency was obtained using GT13 E2-2012, while a decrease of 14.8% and 4.7% exist for power output and efficiency with GE LM2500+. In addition, a reduction in mass flow rate of air and fuel under the same condition was between 4.3≤mair≤10.6% and 10.4≤mfuel≤11.5% for GT13 E2-2012 and GE LM2500+, correspondingly. However, the GE LM2500+ was more predisposed to intake pressure drops since it functioned at a higher overall pressure ratio. The results obtained were found worthwhile and could be the basis for filter selection and efficient compressor housing design in the locations concerned. © 2015 The Authors. | Contaminants; Filters; Gas turbine; Pressure drop; Turbomatch | Architectural design; Drops; Filters (for fluids); Gas turbines; Gases; Impurities; Oil fields; Pressure drop; Environmental conditions; Filter selection; Industrial gas turbines; Mass flow rate of air; Offshore oilfield; Overall pressure ratios; Performance Model; TURBOMATCH; Air filters | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84913573170 | Evaluation of failures in mechanical crankshafts of automobile based on expert opinion | Kareem B. | 2015 | Case Studies in Engineering Failure Analysis | 3 | None | 10.1016/j.csefa.2014.11.001 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria | Kareem, B., Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria | In this study, mechanical crankshaft failures for automobiles are evaluated based on experts' opinion. This was done using data obtained using techniques based on oral interviews and questionnaire administration on mechanical failure of crankshafts from the experts working in the areas of automobile maintenance and crankshafts reconditioning. The data collected were analyzed using statistical methods based on probability. With this technique, probability of failure for each category of automobiles namely private, commercial cars and buses were evaluated. The results obtained show that private cars had lowest failure rate at the initial stage while commercial buses had the highest failure rate. At later periods all categories of automobile crankshafts considered had their failure rates converged steadily with stable reliability. Application of 6-sigma continuous improvement tool to the process indicated a further reliability improvement through improved oil lubrication system, especially in the thrust bearing. This showed that increased enlightenment campaign among the various stakeholders in automobile industries will improve on the choice of reliable mechanical crankshafts. © 2014 The Authors. | Crankshaft failure; Experts' opinion; Sigma quality; Statistical analysis | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84886259692 | Significant performance improvement in terms of reduced cathode flooding in polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a stainless-steel microcoil gas flow field | Tanaka S., Shudo T. | 2014 | Journal of Power Sources | 248 | None | 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.09.119 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan; HySA/Catalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa | Tanaka, S., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan, HySA/Catalysis, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa; Shudo, T., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1 Minamiosawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan | Flooding at the cathode is the greatest barrier to increasing the power density of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and using them at high current densities. Previous studies have shown that flooding is caused by water accumulation in the gas diffusion layer, but only a few researchers have succeeded in overcoming this issue. In the present study, microcoils are used as the gas flow channel as well as the gas diffuser directly on the microporous layer (MPL), without using a conventional carbon-fiber gas diffusion layer (GDL), to enable flood-free performance. The current-voltage curves show flooding-free performance even under low air stoichiometry. However, the high-frequency resistance (HFR) in this case is slightly higher than that in grooved flow channels and GDLs. This is due to the differences in the electron conduction path, and the in-plane electron conductivity in the MPL is the key to enhancing the microcoil fuel cell performance. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Cathode flooding; Flooding free; Forced convection; Microcoil flow field; Polymer electrolyte fuel cell; Water management | Cathode flooding; Current voltage curve; Electron conductivity; Fuel cell performance; Gas diffusion layers; High current densities; Microcoil; Polymer electrolyte fuel cells; Cathodes; Channel flow; Data communication equipment; Diffusion in gases; Flow fields; Flow of gases; Forced convection; Fuel cells; Polyelectrolytes; Polymers; Stainless steel; Water management; Floods | None |
| None | None | Performance, combustion and emission characteristics of n-butanol additive in methanol-gasoline blend fired in a naturally-aspirated spark ignition engine | Siwale L., Kristóf L., Bereczky A., Mbarawa M., Kolesnikov A. | 2014 | Fuel Processing Technology | 118 | None | 10.1016/j.fuproc.2013.10.007 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Bertalan Lajos u. 4-6, D208, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology, Jamhuri Street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Siwale, L., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Kristóf, L., Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Bertalan Lajos u. 4-6, D208, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Bereczky, A., Department of Energy Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Bertalan Lajos u. 4-6, D208, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary; Mbarawa, M., Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology, Jamhuri Street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Kolesnikov, A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa | The aim of the study was to compare the effects of dual alcohols (n-butanol and methanol) with single alcohol (methanol) blended in gasoline fuel (GF) against performance, combustion and emission characteristics. Problems arise in the fuel delivery system when using the highly volatile methanol-gasoline blends. This problem is reduced by adding n-butanol to methanol-gasoline blends. However, the satisfactory engine performance of the dual alcohol-gasoline blends need to be proved. The test fuels were GF, blend M53b17 (53 % methanol, 17 % n-butanol and 30% GF by volume), M20, and M70. The blend M53b17 was selected to match the vapor pressure (VP) of GF, whereas M70 to match the total alcohol content in the blend. The test fuels were a lean mixture with excess-air ratio of λ = 1.1. The experiments were conducted on a naturally-aspirated, spark ignition engine. The brake thermal efficiency (BTE) improved whereas the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) of the blends reduced, which is a benefit that reduces compression work. The regulated emissions were also reported. The blend M53b17 was recommended in preference to M70 because the former had shortened combustion duration, high-energy content and its VP was selectively matched to that of GF's. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Bioalcohols; Brake specific fuel consumption; Brake thermal efficiency; Emission; Spark ignition | Bioalcohols; Brake specific fuel consumption; Brake thermal efficiency; Emission characteristics; Exhaust gas temperatures; Fuel-delivery systems; Methanol-gasoline blends; Spark ignition; Brakes; Combustion; Fuels; Methanol; Methanol fuels; Neutron emission; Gasoline | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84902662804 | Thermodynamic evaluation of a 42MW gas turbine power plant | Egware H., Obanor A., Itoje H. | 2014 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 12 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.12.83 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Egware, H., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Obanor, A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Nigeria; Itoje, H., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, Nigeria | Energy and exergy analyses were carried out on an active 42MW open cycle gas turbine power plant. Data from the power plant record book were employed in the investigation. The First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics were applied to each component of the gas power plant at ambient air temperature range of 21 - 33°C. Results obtained from the analyses show that the energy and exergy efficiencies decrease with increase in ambient air temperature entering the compressor. It was also shown that 66.98% of fuel input and 54.53% of chemical exergy are both lost to the environment as heat from the combustion chamber in the energy and exergy analysis respectively. The energy analysis quantified the efficiency of the plant arising from energy losses , while exergy analysis revealed the magnitude of losses in various components of the plant. Therefore a complete thermodynamic evaluation of gas turbine power plants requires the use of both analytical methods. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Energy; Exergy; Performance; Power plant; Turbine | Atmospheric temperature; Combustion chambers; Energy dissipation; Fossil fuel power plants; Gas turbine power plants; Power plants; Thermodynamic stability; Thermodynamics; Turbines; Ambient air temperature; Energy; Energy and exergy analysis; Energy and exergy efficiency; Open cycle gas turbines; Performance; Second laws of thermodynamics; Thermodynamic evaluation; Exergy | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84870044858 | Design, analysis and experimental evaluation of photovoltaic forced convection solar dryer for the tropics | Adelaja A.O., Ojolo S.J. | 2010 | International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa | 3 | None | 10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.3.49 | Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | Adelaja, A.O., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria; Ojolo, S.J., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria | The photovoltaic (pv) forced convection solar dryer comprises the solar collector, dryer and pv assemblies. It is designed for a continuous operation throughout the day. The direct solar irradiation is utilized during sunshine hours and it automatically switches power supply to the battery during cloud covers and non-insolation periods. The inclusion of a heat reservoir enables heat transfer to continue during this period. In this study, thermal and dryer analyses were done. Experimental investigations were carried out to evaluate the performance of the system by drying plantain chips. The useful power collected was found to be, 391.50W, collector efficiency, 65.6%, dryer efficiency, 39.6%, average drying rate during insolation, 0.0169kg/hr and total drying time was 23 hours. The maximum temperature attained was 55°C. The average drying non insolation period was 0.0112kg/hr. The capital cost is less than $350. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland. | Drying analysis; Forced convection; Photovoltaic module; Solar dryer; Thermal analysis | Capital costs; Cloud cover; Continuous operation; Direct solar; Dryer efficiency; Drying rates; Drying time; Experimental evaluation; Experimental investigations; Heat reservoirs; Maximum temperature; Photovoltaic; Photovoltaic modules; Power supply; Sunshine Hour; Drying; Forced convection; Incident solar radiation; Thermoanalysis; Solar dryers | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84957809766 | Evaluation of global solar radiation using multiple weather parameters as predictors for South Africa provinces | Adeala A.A., Huan Z., Enweremadu C.C. | 2015 | Thermal Science | 19 | None | 10.2298/TSCI130714072A | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa | Adeala, A.A., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; Huan, Z., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa; Enweremadu, C.C., Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa | Models for estimating monthly average daily global solar radiation were developed for South African provinces. These models, in addition to the traditional sunshine hours used in existing models incorporates ambient temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed as variable parameters for predicting global solar radiation, making it different from most of the existing models that use only sunshine hours as variable. Meteorological data obtained for nine locations in South Africa were employed in the model formulation. The accuracy of the models were verified by comparing estimated values with measured values in terms of the following statistical error tests: mean bias error, mean absolute bias error, mean absolute percentage error, root mean square error, and the regression coefficient.The values of regression coefficient for the formulated models are between the ranges of 90%-99%. It was also observed that for an accurate estimation of global solar radiation in Eastern Cape Province, all weather elements are needed. This implies that the models give an excellent prediction for global solar radiation for their corresponding locations. Also, different errors calculated for the formulated models are close to zero especially mean absolute percentage error. The result shows that the formulated models are good enough to be used to predict monthly average daily radiation for South Africa and also, the inclusion of some other elements in some of the models improved the accuracy of the predictions made by the models. | Modeling; Multiple predictors; Solar radiation; South Africa; Weather parameters | None | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84914688982 | Evaluation of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in hypertensive patients attending a tertiary hospital in Calabar, Nigeria | Nnenna Adaeze N., Uchenna Emeribe A., Abdullahi Nasiru I., Babayo A., Uko E.K. | 2014 | Advances in Hematology | 2014 | None | 10.1155/2014/932039 | Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Haematology and Blood Group Serology Unit, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, PMB 228, Gwagwalada, Abuja, | Nnenna Adaeze, N., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Haematology and Blood Group Serology Unit, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria; Uchenna Emeribe, A., Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, PMB 228, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria; Abdullahi Nasiru, I., Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, PMB 228, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria; Babayo, A., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Uko, E.K., Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Haematology and Blood Group Serology Unit, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria | Introduction. Several biomedical findings have established the effects of hypertension on haemostasis and roles of blood coagulation products in the clinical course of hypertension. Methods. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining effects of hypertension on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in hypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive subjects attending a tertiary hospital in Calabar. Forty-two (42) hypertensive patients and thirty-nine (39) normotensive control subjects were investigated for PT and APTT using Quick one-stage methods. Results. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) correlated positively with APTT (r=0.3072, r=0.4988; P<0.05) in hypertensive patients. DBP, SBP, PT, and APTT were significantly higher in hypertensive patients when compared to normotensive subjects (P<0.05). DBP correlated negatively with duration of illness (r=-0.3097; P<0.05) in hypertensive patients and positively with age of normotensive subjects (r=0.3523; P<0.05). Conclusion. The results obtained indicated that measurements of PT and APTT may serve as indices for evaluating hemostatic abnormalities in hypertensive patients and guide for antihypertensive therapy. However, to have better understanding of hemostatic activities in hypertension, it is recommended to conduct D-dimer, platelet factors, and protein assays. © 2014 Nnamani Nnenna Adaeze et al. | None | adult; age; aged; Article; clinical article; controlled study; correlation analysis; cross-sectional study; diastolic blood pressure; disease course; disease duration; female; hemostasis; human; hypertension; male; Nigeria; partial thromboplastin time; prothrombin time; sex difference; systolic blood pressure; tertiary care center | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84904906705 | Evaluation of an immunoassay for determination of plasma efavirenz concentrations in resource-limited settings | Abdissa A., Wiesner L., McIlleron H., Friis H., Andersen Å.B., Kæstel P. | 2014 | Journal of the International AIDS Society | 17 | None | 10.7448/IAS.17.1.18979 | Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Abdissa, A., Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia, Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Wiesner, L., Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; McIlleron, H., Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Friis, H., Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Andersen, Å.B., Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Kæstel, P., Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark | Introduction: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may improve antiretroviral efficacy through adjustment of individual drug administration. This could result in reduced toxicity, prevent drug resistance, and aid management of drug-drug interactions. However, most measurement methods are too costly to be implemented in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated a commercially available immunoassay for measurement of plasma efavirenz. Methods: The immunoassay-based method was applied to measure efavirenz using a readily available Humastar 80 chemistry analyzer. We compared plasma efavirenz concentrations measured by the immunoassay with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (reference method) in 315 plasma samples collected from HIV patients on treatment. Concentrations were categorized as suboptimal <1 μg/ml, normal 1-4 μg/ml or high >4 μg/ml. Agreement between results of the methods was assessed via Bland-Altman plot and k statistic values. Results: The median Interquartile range (IQR) efavirenz concentration was 2.8 (1.9; 4.5) mg/ml measured by the LC-MS/MS method and 2.5 (1.8; 3.9) μg/ml by the immunoassay and the results were well correlated (ρ =0.94). The limits of agreement assessed by Bland-Altman plots were - 2.54; 1.70 μg/ml. Although immunoassay underestimated high concentrations, it had good agreement for classification into low, normal or high concentrations (K = 0.74). Conclusions: The immunoassay is a feasible alternative to determine efavirenz in areas with limited resources. The assay provides a reasonable approximation of efavirenz concentration in the majority of samples with a tendency to underestimate high concentrations. Agreement between tests evaluated in this study was clinically satisfactory for identification of low, normal and high efavirenz concentrations. © 2014 Abdissa A et al;. | Antiretroviral therapy; Efavirenz; Immunoassay; LC-MS/MS; Method evaluation; TDM | efavirenz; article; blood chemistry; blood sampling; chemical analyzer; controlled study; drug blood level; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infected patient; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; immunoassay; liquid chromatography; major clinical study; priority journal; tandem mass spectrometry; therapy; antiretroviral therapy; efavirenz; immunoassay; LC-MS/MS; method evaluation; TDM; Anti-HIV Agents; Benzoxazines; Chromatography, Liquid; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Tandem Mass Spectrometry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-37749042809 | Impact of home-based management of malaria on health outcomes in Africa: A systematic review of the evidence | Hopkins H., Talisuna A., Whitty C.J.M., Staedke S.G. | 2007 | Malaria Journal | 6 | None | 10.1186/1475-2875-6-134 | Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; c/o MU-UCSF Malaria Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda; Uganda Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, c/o MU-UCSF Malaria Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda | Hopkins, H., Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States, c/o MU-UCSF Malaria Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda; Talisuna, A., Uganda Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda; Whitty, C.J.M., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom; Staedke, S.G., London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, c/o MU-UCSF Malaria Research Collaboration, P.O. Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda | Background. Home-based management of malaria (HMM) is promoted as a major strategy to improve prompt delivery of effective malaria treatment in Africa. HMM involves presumptively treating febrile children with pre-packaged antimalarial drugs distributed by members of the community. HMM has been implemented in several African countries, and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) will likely be introduced into these programmes on a wide scale. Case presentations. The published literature was searched for studies that evaluated the health impact of community- and home-based treatment for malaria in Africa. Criteria for inclusion were: 1) the intervention consisted of antimalarial treatment administered presumptively for febrile illness; 2) the treatment was administered by local community members who had no formal education in health care; 3) measured outcomes included specific health indicators such as malaria morbidity (incidence, severity, parasite rates) and/or mortality; and 4) the study was conducted in Africa. Of 1,069 potentially relevant publications identified, only six studies, carried out over 18 years, were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of the evaluations, including variability in study design, precluded meta-analysis. Discussion and evaluation. All trials evaluated presumptive treatment with chloroquine and were conducted in rural areas, and most were done in settings with seasonal malaria transmission. Conclusions regarding the impact of HMM on morbidity and mortality endpoints were mixed. Two studies showed no health impact, while another showed a decrease in malaria prevalence and incidence, but no impact on mortality. One study in Burkina Faso suggested that HMM decreased the proportion of severe malaria cases, while another study from the same country showed a decrease in the risk of progression to severe malaria. Of the four studies with mortality endpoints only one from Ethiopia showed a positive impact, with a reduction in the under-5 mortality rate of 40.6% (95% CI 29.2 - 50.6). Conclusion. Currently the evidence base for HMM in Africa, particularly regarding use of ACTs, is narrow and priorities for further research are discussed. To optimize treatment and maximize health benefits, drug regimens and delivery strategies in HMM programmes may need to be tailored to local conditions. Additional research could help guide programme development, policy decision-making, and implementation. © 2007 Hopkins et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | artemisinin; chloroquine; maloprim; antimalarial agent; article; Burkina Faso; community care; Democratic Republic Congo; disease course; disease severity; disease transmission; Ethiopia; fever; Gambia; health care; health education; health status; home care; human; incidence; Kenya; literature; malaria; methodology; morbidity; mortality; outcome assessment; patient care; prevalence; publishing; rural area; treatment outcome; Africa; drug self administration; health auxiliary; home care; malaria; phase 3 clinical trial; psychological aspect; review; treatment outcome; Africa; Antimalarials; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Community Health Aides; Home Nursing; Humans; Malaria; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Self Administration | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-74049108685 | Evaluation of current knowledge, awareness and practice of spirometry among hospital -based nigerian doctors | Desalu O.O., Busari O.A., Onyedum C.C., Salawu F.K., Obateru O.A., Nwogu K.C., Salami A.K. | 2009 | BMC Pulmonary Medicine | 9 | None | 10.1186/1471-2466-9-50 | Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, Fede | Desalu, O.O., Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria; Busari, O.A., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria; Onyedum, C.C., Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria; Salawu, F.K., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Nigeria; Obateru, O.A., Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria; Nwogu, K.C., Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria; Salami, A.K., Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin, Nigeria | Background: Spirometry is a cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluation of lung function and for case-finding in a resource-limited setting. The acceptance of this test depends on the awareness of its indications and the ability to interpret the results. No studies have assessed the knowledge of spirometry among Nigerian doctors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge, awareness and practice of spirometry among hospital-based Nigerian doctors.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey among 321 doctors working in Nigerian hospitals between March 2008 and June 2008. Information on knowledge, awareness, practice of and barriers to spirometry were obtained using a pre-tested, self-administered structured questionnaire and the data were then analysed.Results: Of the 321 doctors that participated, 108 (33.6%) reported that they have good knowledge of spirometry. One hundred and ninety-five (60.7%) were aware of the importance of spirometry in aiding the diagnosis of respiratory diseases; 213(66.4%) were aware of the importance of spirometry in determining the severity of diseases. Medical school was the most common source of knowledge on spirometry (64.5%). Eighty-one (25.2%) doctors reported having a spirometer in their hospitals. Doctors having access to a spirometer used it more frequently for aiding the diagnosis of COPD (40.7% vs.27.5%) and for monitoring of asthma (18.5% vs.11.3%) than those without access to a spirometer. The doctors working in University Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres (FMC) (22.4% vs. 4.5%) and those having access to a spirometer (40.7 vs.11.3%) were very confident of interpreting spirometry results compared to those working in District and General Hospitals and without access to a spirometer. Irrespective of access to a spirometer or the type of hospital they were employed in, doctors reported that unavailability of a spirometer was the greatest barrier to its use (62.5%) followed by lack of awareness about its usefulness (17.2%).Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of spirometry were poor among hospital-based Nigerian doctors because of unavailability of spirometers in most hospitals. These findings have implications for further evaluation, planning and management of patient care in respiratory disease. Spirometers should be made available in all hospitals, and the knowledge of spirometry should be improved among doctors. © 2009 Desalu et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. | None | adult; article; clinical competence; controlled study; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic value; disease severity; female; health care delivery; health care quality; hospital physician; human; male; medical practice; medical school; Nigeria; respiratory tract disease; spirometry; structured questionnaire; asthma; attitude to health; chronic obstructive lung disease; clinical practice; cost benefit analysis; cross-sectional study; economics; hospital personnel; lung disease; questionnaire; statistics; utilization review; Adult; Asthma; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Nigeria; Personnel, Hospital; Physician's Practice Patterns; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Questionnaires; Spirometry | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84924913877 | Myocardial perfusion imaging for evaluation of suspected ischemia and its relationship with glycemic control in south african subjects with diabetes mellitus | Shmendi A., Pirie F., Naidoo D.P., Tlou B., Pilloy W., Motala A.A. | 2014 | Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy | 7 | None | 10.2147/DMSO.S72335 | Department of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Cardiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Biostatistics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Shmendi, A., Department of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pirie, F., Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Naidoo, D.P., Department of Cardiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Tlou, B., Department of Biostatistics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Pilloy, W., Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Motala, A.A., Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa | Background: The relationship between myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, and glucose control in South African populations is unknown. It was hypothesized that in subjects undergoing MPI for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), those with diabetes would have more extensive perfusion defects and that diabetes control would influence MPI abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the severity of CAD diagnosed with MPI in subjects with and without diabetes and to determine the relationship between diabetes control and extent of CAD.Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 340 subjects in whom MPI scans were performed over a 12-month period.Results: Subjects with diabetes had a higher prevalence of abnormal MPI, with more extensive ischemia, compared with subjects without diabetes (85.6% versus 68%; odds ratio 2.81, P,0.01). Glycated hemoglobin $7.0% was associated with a higher risk of abnormal MPI, with more extensive ischemia, compared with subjects having diabetes and glycated hemoglobin, 7.0% (odds ratio 2.46, P=0.03) and those without diabetes (odds ratio 4.55, P=0.0001).Conclusion: Subjects with diabetes have more extensive myocardial ischemia when compared with subjects without diabetes. Furthermore, poorer diabetes control is associated with more abnormalities on MPI scanning. © 2014 Shmendi et al. | Coronary artery disease; Diabetes mellitus; Glycated hemoglobin; Myocardial perfusion imaging | glucose; glycosylated hemoglobin; hemoglobin A1c; low density lipoprotein cholesterol; adult; Article; body mass; cardiovascular risk; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; coronary artery disease; diabetes mellitus; disease duration; disease severity; female; glucose blood level; glycemic control; heart muscle ischemia; human; image analysis; image quality; imaging system; major clinical study; male; myocardial perfusion imaging; population research; prevalence; retrospective study; risk assessment; risk factor; smoking; South African; systolic blood pressure | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84921788738 | Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the initial evaluation and diagnosis of palpable soft tissue lesions and with histologic correlation | Ogun G.O. | 2015 | Pan African Medical Journal | 20 | None | 10.11604/pamj.2015.20.44.4271 | Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan/ University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria | Ogun, G.O., Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan/ University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria | Introduction: fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) as a means of evaluation of palpable soft tissue lesions is poorly utilized in our environment despite the fact that it is safe, cheap, quick and easy to perform.Methods: all cases of cases of palpable soft tissue lesions of the trunk and extremities where FNAB was used as the initial evaluation tool were reviewed. Furthermore, the records for corresponding cases that had open excision biopsy and ultimately had histologic diagnosis out of these cases were also retrieved and correlated with the final diagnosis from FNAB.Results: out of 142 aspirates, only 107(75.3% of cases) fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the study. The age range was from 0-85 years (mean = 41.2 yrs.) with a roughly equal male:female ratio. The lesions were located in the trunk -56 cases, upper arm -7, forearm -1, hand -1, thigh -28, leg -7 and the foot-7. The FNAB was diagnosed as benign in 56 (52.3%) cases, malignant in 48 (44.8%) cases, and suspicious of malignancy in 3(2.8%) cases. The cases were cytomorphologically classified into the following categories: Lipomatous (32 cases), epithelia (18), spindle cell (14), inflammatory (13) pleomorphic (11), small round (6), myxoid (5), epitheloid/ polygonal (1) and others (7). The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosed cases with FNAB as either benign or malignant when correlated with histology were 95% and 100% respectively.Conclusion: FNAB is a valuable tool in the initial evaluation of palpable soft tissue lesions especially in primary soft tissue neoplasms and clinically suspected metastatic carcinomas. © Gabriel Olabiyi Ogun et al. | None | adult; aged; arm; Article; benign tumor; biopsy technique; cell structure; diagnostic accuracy; diagnostic test accuracy study; female; fine needle aspiration biopsy; foot; forearm; hand; histopathology; human; human tissue; infant; leg; major clinical study; male; malignant neoplastic disease; sensitivity and specificity; soft tissue defect; thigh; very elderly | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84896982278 | Evaluation of Al-Cu-Mg alloy/bean pod ash nanoparticles synthesis by double layer feeding-stir casting method | Atuanya C.U., Aigbodion V.S. | 2014 | Journal of Alloys and Compounds | 601 | None | 10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.02.086 | Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | Atuanya, C.U., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; Aigbodion, V.S., Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria | The evaluation of the microstructure and properties of Al-Cu-Mg alloy/bean pod ash (BPA) nanoparticles synthesis by double layer feeding and stir casting method was investigated. The aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were produced by varying the BPA nanoparticles from 1 to 4 wt%. The microstructure and phases of the composites produced were examined by SEM/EDS and XRD. Properties such as density, hardness, tensile strength and impact energy were evaluated. The results showed that good interfacial bonding was achieved between the alloy and the bean pod ash nanoparticles. The tensile strength and hardness values increased by 35% and 44.1% at 4 wt% BPA nanoparticles with appreciable impact energy. The mechanical properties of the as-cast aluminum nanoparticles (MMNCs) have been improved significantly even with a low weight percent of nano-sized BPAp. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | Al-Cu-Mg alloy; Bean pod ash nanoparticles; Mechanical properties; Microstructures | Aluminum; Hardness; Mechanical properties; Microstructure; Nanoparticles; Tensile strength; Al-Cu-Mg alloys; Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs); Aluminum nanoparticles; Hardness values; Interfacial bonding; Microstructure and properties; Nanoparticles synthesis; Stir casting method; Synthesis (chemical) | None |
| Scopus | 2-s2.0-84958181678 | Physico-chemical and sensory evaluation of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica l. Mill and opuntia robusta wendl) cladode flour in different baked products | de Wit M., Bothma C., Hugo A., Sithole T., Absalom C., van den Berg C. | 2015 | Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development | 17 | None | None | Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Department of Consumer Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | de Wit, M., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Bothma, C., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Hugo, A., Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Sithole, T., Department of Consumer Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; Absalom, C., Department of Consumer Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa; van den Berg, C., Department of Consumer Science, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa | Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta) cladode flour was used to prepare and evaluate three types of baked products. Data from the physical and chemical analysis were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance of the overall sensory acceptance measured for each sample was tested by means of ANOVA. After the data was calculated, the results were represented as a spider plot, where a specific spoke denotes a specific attribute. Health bread, containing three different types of seeds and whole wheat flour was prepared. Whole wheat flour was replaced with cactus pear flour in percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 17% replacement. The volume decreased and the texture became more solid and firm. The brown colour of the bread darkened wh |